^  Poofe  of  ^raperg 


lib 


AV^^V 


^  poofe  of  drapers 

FOR  PUBLIC  AND 
PERSONAL  USE 


BY 


SAMUEL  McCOMB,  M.  A.,  D.D. 

Author  of  "Christianity  and  the  Modern  Mind,"  etc. 
Co-Author  of  "  Religion  and  Medicine  " 


ib 


NEW  YORK 

©obtr,  iWeab  anb  Company 

1912 


^ 


Copyright,  1912. 
By  DoDD,  Mead  &  Co. 


Published,  February,  1912. 


Sn  iHcmoriam 

Hi  suntf  qui  njenerunt  de  trihulatione 
magnay  et  Iwverunt  stolas  suas,  et  deal- 
ba'verunt  eas  in  sanguine  Agni. 


<a  Jiook  of  $raj>erj5 


preface 

^If^HIS  little  book,  it  is  hardly 
\i^  necessary  to  say,  is  not  offered 
as  a  substitute  for  any  of  the  existing 
forms  of  devotion.  On  the  contrary, 
it  presupposes  the  use  of  these  forms, 
and  claims  only  to  supplement  them, 
as  far  as  may  be.  The  collects  of  the 
Book  of  Common  Prayer,  owing  to 
their  stateliness  of  style,  their  concise- 
ness of  expression,  and  a  certain 
archaic  literary  flavour,  are  especially 
adapted  to  the  needs  of  public 
liturgical  worship.  But  these  same 
qualities  make  them  less  suited  for 
personal  or  family  or  informal  use. 
Moreover  each  age  is  conscious  of 
peculiar  trials  and  problems,  and 
must  express  this  consciousness  in  its 
own  words.  Not  only  must  each 
generation  win  the  truth  for  itself, 
but  the  truth  so  won  must  touch 
deeply  the  springs  of  its  religious  life, 

[viil 


Sa  fBooft  of  S^vaytxii 


and  in  this  way  must  influence  its 
devotional  feeling.  There  are  signs 
that  both  Inside  and  outside  the 
Church  a  revival  of  belief  In  prayer 
is  making  Itself  felt  and  demands 
outward  expression.  Especially  In 
two  directions  Is  this  revival  at  work. 
There  Is  the  ever-present  social 
problem,  which  In  our  time  has 
assumed  a  new  sharpness  and  Insist- 
ence. A  social  passion  is  taking 
captive  many  noble  hearts.  Hence 
modern  prayer  must  become  more 
and  more  steeped  In  the  sense  of 
human  fellowship.  The  other  prob- 
lem, old  but  ever  new,  is  that  of 
moral  and  physical  evil.  The  modern 
man  is  more  keenly  sensitive  to  pain 
and  suffering  than  his  forerunners. 
There  are  facts  of  experience,  which 
must  not  be  thought  on  save  In  the 
spirit  of  prayer,  else  they  may  turn 
the  soul  to  despair.  As  the  human 
mind  develops  in  fineness  and  keen- 
ness of  vision,  it  can  be  saved  from 

[  viii  ] 


j3  Pao6  of  drapers; 


pessimism  only  through  the  conviction 
that  God  is  not  the  source  of  evil, 
physical  or  moral,  but  that  He  is 
eternally  using  His  energies  to  oppose 
and  overcome  it.  Our  views  of  God, 
of  evil,  of  human  nature,  and  of 
human  destiny,  cannot  but  be  reflected 
in  our  prayers. 

It  is  hoped  that  this  book  may,  in 
some  degree,  meet  the  needs  of  those 
who  desire  to  pray,  and  yet  for 
various  reasons,  are  hindered  in  the 
art  of  self-expression. 


[ix] 


<S[  ^co&  of  $raperiBi 


Contente 

PAGE 

GENERAL  PRAYERS    .    .    .    .   1-130 

^art  ji>econb 

INTERCESSORY  AND  PERSONAL 

PRAYERS 

FOR   A    PERSON   WHO    CANNOT    PRAY.       1 33 

FOR   A    PERSON    WHO    DESIRES    FAITH      I35 

FOR  A  PERSON  TROUBLED  WITH   EVIL 

THOUGHTS 137 

FOR   A   VICTIM    OF    FEAR I39 

FOR   A   VICTIM    OF   WORRY I4I 

FOR    A     PERSON     SUFFERING    FROM 

NEURASTHENIA I43 

FOR    A     PERSON    SUFFERING     FROM 

INSOMNIA 145 

FOR    A    PERSON    SUFFERING     FROM 

DEPRESSION 147 

FOR    A     PERSON    THREATENED    WITH 

INSANITY 149 

FOR    A    PERSON    STRIVING    TO    OVER- 
COME   THE    ALCOHOL    HABIT    .     .       I5I 

FOR  THE   INSANE I53 


XI 


a  ?Boofe  of  ^rapetjS 


FOR  A  PERSON  HAUNTED  WITH  THE 
FEAR     OF     COMMITTING     SUICIDE 

FOR  A  PERSON  WHO  FEARS  THAT  IN 
DYING  HE  WILL  LOSE  A  SENSE 
OF    PERSONAL    IDENTITY  .... 

\/^FOR    A    PERSON    SUFFERING    FROM    A 
SERIOUS    ILLNESS 

^    FOR   A    SICK    CHILD 

^"FOR    A    PERSON    ABOUT   TO    UNDERGO 
A    SURGICAL    OPERATION.     .     .     . 

L     FOR    A    PERSON     SUFFERING     FROM 
ACUTE    BODILY    PAIN 

W'^OR  A  PERSON  AT  THE  POINT  OF  DEATH 

FOR  AN    INCURABLY   CRIPPLED    CHILD 

FOR  A  PERSON  SUFFERING  FROM  A 
SENSE    OF    LONELINESS     .... 

FOR  A  PERSON  HAUNTED  WITH  THE 
FEAR  OF  HAVING  COMMITTED 
THE    UNPARDONABLE    SIN     .     .     . 

FOR  A  WOMAN  BURDENED  WITH 
DOMESTIC    CARES 

F0|r  parents  who  HAVE  LOST  A 
CHILD    BY    DEATH        

IN  REMEMBRANCE  OF  DEPARTED 
FRIENDS 

FOR   CHILDREN 

FOR  A  MOTHER  GRIEVING  FOR  A 
WAYWARD   CHILD 


Xil 


PAGE 


156 


160 
163 

i6s 

167 
169 
171 

173 


175 

177 

179 

181 
183 

18S 


^  iSoofe  of  ^rapetiS 


PAGE 

FOR  THE   AGED I87 

FOR   THE    POOR I89 

FOR   THE    PROSPEROUS I9I 

FOR    PRISONERS I93 

FOR    DOCTORS    OF   MEDICINE    ....  I96 

FOR    NURSES I98 

FOR    STUDENTS 200 

FOR   TEACHERS 202 

FOR    HANDWORKERS 204 

^FOR    MINISTERS    OF    RELIGION      .     .     .  20/ 

FOR   MISSIONARIES 209 

FOR  FRIENDS   ON  A  JOURNEY       ...  211 

THANKSGIVING   FOR  RESTORATION  TO 

HEALTH 213 

THANKSGIVING   FOR  VICTORY  OVER  A 

BAD  HABIT 215 

FOR   PERSONAL  USE 

AT   NIGHT.       (three    PRAYERs)        .     .  2I9 

IN   THE    MORNING.      (fOUR    PRAYERS)  222 

IN   TIME    OF   TEMPTATION 226 

IN   TIME    OF    suffering' 22/ 

V    BEFORE    PARTAKING    AT    HOLY    COM- 
MUNION   228 

^AFTER     PARTAKING     AT     HOLY     COM- 
MUNION   230 


ZlU 


^art  Jfirst 

GENERAL  PRAYERS 


/(^^^  f  atljer  toljo  art  in  ©eatjen, 
K^  l^allotoeti  Be  €f)p  name.  €l)p 
Jiingtiom  come.  €l)p  tuill  fie  Done 
on  eartli,  a^  it  i^  in  ]^eaben»  oBibe 
n^  tfji^  Dap  our  Dailp  breati.  5llnti 
forgibe  u^  our  tre^efpa^^e^,  a^ 
toe  forgibe  tfyo^t  tofto  tre^pa^^^ 
against  u^*  3llnti  leab  u^  not  into 
temptation,  but  beliber  u^  from 
ebiL  for  €f)ine  i^  tlfje  Jiiingbom, 
anb  tl)e  potoer,  anb  tlje  glorp,  for 
eber  anb  eber*    Amen. 


jS  Poo&  of  ^tapers; 


0 


I  i^.r. 

THOU,  who  didst  lay  the 
foundations  of  the  earth 
amid  the  singing  of  the  morning 
stars  and  the  joyful  shouts  of  the 
sons  of  God,  lift  up  our  little  life 
into  Thy  gladness.  Out  of  Thee, 
as  out  of  an  overflowing  fountain 
of  Love,  wells  forth  eternally  a 
stream  of  blessing  upon  every 
creature  Thou  hast  made.  If  we 
have  thought  that  Thou  didst  call 
into  being  this  universe  in  order 
to  win  praise  and  honour  for  Thy- 
self, rebuke  the  vain  fancies  of 
our  foolish  minds  and  show  us 
that  Thy  glory  is  the  joy  of  giving. 
We  can  give  Thee  nothing  of  our 
own.  All  that  we  have  is  Thine. 
Oh,  then,  help  us  to  glorify  Thee  by 
striving  to  be  like  Thee.  Make  us 
just  and  pure  and  good  as  Thou 


[3] 


S  JSoofe  of  drapers; 


art.  May  we  be  partakers  of  the 
Divine  Nature,  so  that  all  that  is 
truly  human  in  us  may  be  deep- 
ened, purified,  and  strengthened. 
And  so  may  we  be  witnesses  for 
Thee,  lights  of  the  world,  reflect- 
ing Thy  light. 

Help  us  to  make  religion  a 
thing  so  beautiful  that  all  men 
may  be  won  to  surrender  to  its 
power.  Let  us  manifest  in  our 
lives  its  sweetness  and  excellency, 
its  free  and  ennobling  spirit.  For- 
bid that  we  should  go  up  and 
down  the  world  with  melancholy 
looks  and  dejected  visage,  lest  we 
should  repel  men  from  entering 
Thy  Kingdom.  Rather,  may  we 
walk  in  the  freedom  and  joy  of 
faith,  and  with  Thy  new  song  in 
our  mouths,  so  that  men  looking 
on  us  may  learn  to  trust  and  to 
love  Thee. 


[4] 


^  ?Boo&  of  drapers; 


We  come  to  Thee,  our  Father, 
that  we  may  more  deeply  enter 
into  Thy  joy.  Thou  turnest  dark- 
ness into  day,  and  mourning  into 
praise.  Thou  art  our  Fortress  in 
temptation,  our  Shield  in  remorse, 
our  Covert  in  calamity,  our  Star  of 
Hope  in  every  sorrow.  O  Lord, 
we  would  know  Thy  peace,  deep, 
abiding,  inexhaustible.  When  we 
seek  Thy  peace,  our  weariness  is 
gone,  the  sense  of  our  imperfec- 
tion ceases  to  discourage  us,  and 
our  tired  souls  forget  their  pain. 
When,  strengthened  and  refreshed 
by  Thy  goodness,  we  return  to  the 
task  of  life,  send  us  forth  as  serv- 
ants of  Jesus  Christ  in  the  service 
and  redemption  of  the  world. 
Send  us  to  the  hearts  without  love, 
to  men  and  women  burdened  with 
heavy  cares,  to  the  miserable, 
the  sad,  the  broken-hearted.    Send 


[5] 


ja  ?Boofe  of  ^raperj( 


us  to  the  children  whose  heritage 
has  been  a  curse,  to  the  poor  who 
doubt  Thy  Providence,  to  the  sick 
who  crave  for  heaHng  and  cannot 
find  it,  to  the  fallen  for  whom  no 
man  cares.  May  we  be  ministers 
of  Thy  mercy,  messengers  of  Thy 
helpful  pity,  to  all  who  need  Thee. 
By  our  sympathy,  our  prayers,  our 
kindness,  our  gifts,  may  we  make 
a  way  for  the  inflow  of  Thy  love 
into  needy  and  loveless  lives.  And 
so  may  we  have  that  love  which 
alone  is  the  fulfilling  of  Thy  law. 
Hasten  the  time  when  all  men 
shall  love  Thee  and  one  another 
in  Thee,  when  all  the  barriers  that 
divide  us  shall  be  broken  down, 
and  every  heart  shall  be  filled  with 
joy  and  every  tongue  with  melody. 
These  gracious  gifts  we  ask,  in 
Jesus'  name.     Amen, 


[6] 


13  iioo&  of  ^vaptxsi 


II 

W^  INFINITE  Source  of  life 
Kt^  and  health  and  joy!  the 
very  thought  of  Thee  is  so  wonder- 
ful that  in  this  thought  we  would 
rest  and  be  still.  Thou  art  Beauty 
and  Grace  and  Truth  and  Power. 
Thou  art  the  light  of  every  heart 
that  sees  Thee,  the  life  of  every 
soul  that  loves  Thee,  the  strength 
of  every  mind  that  seeks  Thee. 
From  our  narrow  and  bounded 
world  we  would  pass  into  Thy 
greater  world.  From  our  petty 
and  miserable  selves  we  would 
escape  to  Thee,  to  find  in  Thee 
the  power  and  the  freedom  of  a 
larger  life.  It  is  our  joy  that  we 
can  never  go  beyond  Thy  reach; 
that  even  were  we  to  take  the 
wings  of  the  morning,  and  fly  unto 
the  uttermost  parts  of  the  earth, 


[7] 


a  Pook  of  ^rapersJ 

- 

or  were  we  to  make  our  bed  In 
hell,   there   should   we   find   signs 
of  Thy  presence  and  Thy  power. 
Wherever   we   may  go  Thou    art 
with  us,   for  Thou   art   in   us   as 
well  as  without  us.    We  recognise 
Thee  in  all  the  deeper  experiences 
of  the  soul.    When  the  conscience 
utters    its    warning    voice,    when 
the  heart  is  tender  and  we  forgive 
those   who    have    wronged    us    in 
word  or  deed,  when  we  feel  our- 
selves   upborne    above    time    and 
place,  and  know  ourselves  citizens 
of  Thy  everlasting  Kingdom,  we 
realise,  0  Lord,  that  these  things, 
while  they  are  in  us,  are  not  of 
us.     They   are  Thine,    the   work 
of  Thy   Spirit  brooding  upon  our 
souls. 

Spirit   of  Holiness    and   Peace! 
Search   all  our  motives;    try  the 
secret  places  of  our  souls;    set  in 

[81 

^  $ook  of  ^tapers; 


the  light  any  evil  that  may  lurk 
within,  and  lead  us  in  the  way 
everlasting.  Take  possession  of 
our  bodies.  Purge  them  from 
feebleness  and  sloth,  from  all  un- 
worthy self-indulgence,  that  they 
may  not  hinder,  but  help  the  per- 
fection of  our  spirits.  Take  pos- 
session of  our  wills  that  they 
may  be  one  with  Thine,  that 
soul  and  body  may  no  longer 
war  against  each  other,  but  live 
in  perfect  harmony,  in  holiness 
and  health.  May  we  be  willing 
to  cut  off  the  right  hand,  or  pluck 
out  the  right  eye,  if  only  we  may 
feel  Thy  life  pulsing  within  us, 
and  share  the  blessedness  of  all 
good  and  pious  men.  '  Wake  us 
as  from  the  sleep  of  death,  and 
inspire  us  with  new  resolves,  and 
keep  us  blameless  in  body,  soul 
and   spirit,    now   and   ever.      Let 


[9] 


^  poofc  of  l^vavtvsi 


Thy  light  fill  our  hearts  more  and 
more,  until  we  shall  become  in 
truth  the  children  of  light,  and 
perfectly  at  one  with  Thee,  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen, 


[10] 


a  Poofe  of  drapers; 


III 

^^S  GOD,  our  Refuge  and  our 
KtL^  Strength!  Thou  art  so  high 
that  the  very  Heaven  of  Heavens 
cannot  contain  Thee,  yet  dost 
Thou  dwell  with  him  that  is 
of  a  contrite  and  humble  spirit. 
Everywhere  Thou  art  seeking  the 
wandering,  those  who  have  for- 
gotten the  warnings  of  parent  and 
teacher  and  friend,  who  have  de- 
spised the  oracles  of  conscience, 
and  are  now  sore  pierced  with 
the  thorns  of  earth.  Thou  dost 
not  despair  when  Thou  findest  us 
degraded  and  miserable  in  our 
sin,  but  bringest  us  forgiveness 
and  hope.  We  are  overwhelmed, 
O  Lord,  with  wonder,  to  think 
that  Thou  dost  believe  in  us,  and 
wilt  not  let  us  go.  From  the 
pleasures  of  sin,  from  the  torment 
— 


M  Poofe  of  drapers; 


of  guilt,  from  poverty  and  blighted 
hopes  and  ill-requited  love,  we 
turn  to  Thee,  our  Father,  for 
comfort  and  satisfaction.  Make 
clear  to  us  how  the  evils  of  the 
soul  war  against  our  happiness 
and  health,  how  we  are  so  fear- 
fully and  wonderfully  made  that 
not  a  wrong  thought,  or  base  desire, 
or  strained  emotion,  but  leaves 
its  mark  upon  our  bodies.  Take 
possession  of  us,  and  so  inspire  us 
with  great  thoughts  and  noble 
aspirations  and  unselfish  feelings, 
that  our  bodies  may  become  fit 
temples  for  the  habitation  of  Thy 
good  Spirit.  So  occupy  us  with 
self-forgetting  service  for  Thee  that 
no  time  or  strength  may  remain 
for  our  besetting  sins.  Lay  upon 
us  the  burdens  of  the  weak,  the 
crosses  of  other  lives.  Are  any 
sick?    Let  us  bring  to  them  help 


a  Jioofe  of  $raj>er£J 


and  good  cheer,  and,  if  it  may  be, 
some  gift  of  healing.  Are  there 
any  naked  and  hungry?  Let  us 
clothe  and  feed  them.  Are  there 
any  sad  and  depressed?  Give  to 
us  the  insight  and  the  sympathy, 
in  the  presence  of  which  the 
burdened  heart  will  be  eased  and 
the  darkened  mind  illumined.  Are 
there  any  remorseful  and  despair- 
ing? Speak  to  them  through  us, 
as  Thine  organs,  and  say,  "  I  am 
thy  salvation."  Thus  may  the 
fires  of  a  Christlike  charity  burn 
with  a  steady  flame  within  us, 
and  thus  may  our  souls  be  kept 
pure  and  fresh  and  strong.  O  true 
and  holy  Light,  that  lightenest 
every  man,  shine  into  these  hearts 
of  ours  that  we  may  hold  converse 
with  the  sinful,  yet  contract  no 
stain;  that  we  may  share  the 
pleasures  and  mingle  in  the  noise 


[13] 


^  igooft  of  l^xavtxi 


and  dust  of  life,  yet  keep  our  gar- 
ments unspotted  from  the  world. 
Forgive  us  that  we  have  sinned 
so  often  against  those  around  us, 
by  failing  to  draw  near  to  them 
and  to  understand  them,  by  want 
of  pity  for  their  trials  and  sorrows, 
by  passing  on  our  heedless  way, 
with  no  ear  for  the  still,  sad  voices 
of  weary  and  laden  souls.  Hence- 
forth let  us  arm  ourselves  with  the 
mind  that  was  in  Christ  Jesus, 
who  came  not  to  be  ministered 
unto,  but  to  minister,  and  to  give 
His  life  a  ransom  for  many.  Let 
the  glory  of  His  Cross  be  the 
inspiration  of  all  our  thought  and 
service,  that  suffering  with  Him 
here,  we  may  reign  with  Him 
hereafter.  Hear  us  and  answer 
us,  for  His  sake.     Amen. 


[141 


Si  Poo&  of  $raperi9 


IV 

yJ^REAT  is  Thy  name,  0  God, 
V^  and  greatly  to  be  praised. 
In  Thee  all  our  discordant  notes 
rise  into  perfect  harmony.  It  is 
good  for  us  to  think  of  the 
wonder  of  Thy  being.  Thou 
art  most  silent,  yet  most 
strong;  unchangeable,  yet  ever 
changing;  ever  working,  yet  ever 
at  rest,  supporting,  nourishing, 
maturing  all  things.  O  Thou 
Eternal  Spirit,  who  hast  set  our 
noisy  years  in  the  heart  of  Thy 
eternity,  lift  us  above  the  power 
and  evils  of  the  passing  time,  that 
under  the  shadow  of  Thy  wings 
we  may  take  courage  and  be  glad. 
So  great  art  Thou,  beyond  our 
utmost  imagining,  that  we  could 
not  speak  to  Thee  didst  Thou  not 
first  draw  near  to  us  and  say,  "  Seek 


[15] 


Si  Poofe  of  $ra|»ers( 


ye  my  face."  Unto  Thee  our 
hearts  would  make  reply,  "Thy 
face,  Lord,  will  we  seek."  And 
when  we  look  up  to  Thee,  the 
words  of  our  lips  are  words  of 
humility  and  thanksgiving.  Who 
or  what  are  we  that  Thou  shouldst 
follow  us  with  goodness  and  mercy 
all  the  days  of  life?  We  thank 
Thee  for  our  birth  into  a  Christian 
community,  for  the  Church  and  the 
Sacraments  of  Thy  grace,  for  the 
healing  day  of  rest,  when  we  enter 
with  Thy  people  into  Thy  House 
and  there  make  holyday;  for  the 
refreshment  of  soul,  the  joys  of 
communion,  the  spiritual  disci- 
pline, the  inspiration  of  prayer 
and  hymn  and  sermon.  We  thank 
Thee  for  Thy  watchful  care  over 
body  and  soul  alike.  Thou  hast 
kept  our  eyes  from  tears,  or,  if 
the  tears  came,  Thine  own  hand 

[16] 


^  JBoofe  of  ^ra|>ers{ 


wiped  them  away.  Thou  hast  kept 
our  feet  from  falling,  or  if  we  fell, 
Thou  didst  not  forsake  us,  but 
guided  us  back  to  the  holy  paths 
of  Christ.  We  praise  Thee  for 
the  myriad  influences  of  good, 
conscious  and  unconscious,  that 
have  been  about  us,  deeply  pen- 
etrating our  inner  life,  shaping 
and  fitting  us  for  Thy  Kingdom. 
Thou  hast  indeed  forgiven  all 
our  iniquities,  and  healed  all  our 
diseases,  and  redeemed  our  life 
from  destruction,  and  crowned  us 
with  loving-kindness.  Therefore 
would  we  call  upon  our  souls,  and 
all  that  is  within  us,  to  bless  Thy 
holy  Name. 

We  remember  with  sadness  our 
want  of  faith  in  Thee.  What 
might  have  been  a  garden  we 
have  turned  into  a  desert  by  our 
sin  and  wilfulness.    This  beautiful 

[17] 


IK  Poo&  o{  Ij^xaptxii 


life  which  Thou  hast  given  us 
we  have  wasted  in  futile  worries 
and  vain  regrets  and  empty  fears. 
Instead  of  opening  our  eyes  to 
the  joy  of  life,  the  joy  that  shines 
in  the  leaf,  the  flower,  the  face  of 
an  innocent  child,  and  rejoicing 
in  It  as  in  a  sacrament,  we  have 
sunk  back  into  the  complainings 
of  our  narrow  and  blinded  souls. 
O  deliver  us  from  the  bondage 
of  unchastened  desires  and  un- 
wholesome thoughts.  Help  us  to 
conquer  hopeless  brooding  and 
faithless  reflection,  and  the  im- 
patience of  irritable  weakness.  To 
this  end,  increase  our  faith,  O 
Lord.  Fill  us  with  a  completer 
trust  in  Thee,  and  the  desire  for  a 
more  whole-hearted  surrender  to 
Thy  will.  Then  every  sorrow 
will  become  a  joy.  Then  shall  we 
say    to    the    mountains    that    lie 

nil 


^  iSoofe  of  ^tapers; 


heavy  on  our  souls,  "Remove 
and  be  cast  hence,"  and  they  shall 
remove,  and  nothing  shall  be  im- 
possible unto  us.  Then  shall  we 
renew  our  strength,  and  mount 
up  with  wings  as  eagles;  we  shall 
run  and  not  be  weary;  we  shall 
walk  and  not  faint.  We  offer  this 
prayer  in  the  name  of  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.     Amen, 


[191 


Si  Poofe  of  l^vaptv^ 


^LMIGHTY  and  Everlasting 
S^  God,  whom  no  man  hath 
seen  at  any  time,  who  art  Spirit 
and  the  Father  of  our  spirits, 
unto  Thee  do  we  come.  When  we 
think  of  Thee  we  are  troubled,  for 
we  know  we  have  not  surrendered 
ourselves  to  Thy  service,  which  is 
our  highest  good;  yet  we  are 
drawn  to  Thee,  and  we  say  with 
one  of  old,  ''Thou  hast  made  us 
for  Thyself,  and  our  hearts  are 
restless  till  they  find  rest  in  Thee." 
Bring  us  at  this  time  into  Thy 
banqueting-house,  and  may  Thy 
banner  over  us  be  Love.  We 
would  tell  Thee  all  our  wants,  our 
sorrows  and  our  sins,  that  out  of 
the  fullness  of  Thy  grace  we  may 
receive  healing  and  forgiveness. 
We  lament  our  desires  covetous 

[20] 


Si  JBoofe  of  l^xavtx^ 


of  worldly  things,  the  coldness  of 
our  affections,  the  prayerlessness 
of  our  lives,  the  want  of  relish  for 
Thy  law.  Forgive  us  all  that  our 
resolves  to  lead  the  higher  life 
have  been  so  easily  broken,  and 
grant  us  true  repentance,  that 
henceforth  we  may  build  our  lives 
on  the  abiding  foundation  of  Thy 
holy  will,  as  it  is  revealed  in  Jesus 
Christ.  Cause  us  to  walk  in  the 
paths  of  purity  and  sincerity,  to 
renounce  the  hidden  things  of  dis- 
honesty, and  to  have  no  fellow- 
ship with  the  works  of  darkness. 
We  pant  for  a  purer  air,  a  wider 
space.  O  God,  lead  us  out  of  the 
twilight  of  our  own  dark,  narrow 
souls  into  Thy  glorious  light,  that 
we  may  be  the  children,  not  of  the 
night,  but  of  the  day.  Strengthen 
us,  that  we  may  finish  the  work 
Thou  hast  given  us  to  do.     Com- 

[21] 


9  5ioofe  of  drapers; 


fort  us  in  the  troubles  that  wait 
upon  our  earthly  lot.  Guide  us 
through  the  shadows  of  time  into 
Thy  blessed  eternity. 

We  invoke  Thy  blessing  upon  all 
who  need  Thee,  and  who  are 
groping  after  Thee,  if  haply  they 
may  find  Thee.  Be  gracious  to 
those  who  bear  the  sins  of  others, 
who  are  vexed  by  the  wrong- 
doing and  selfishness  of  those  near 
and  dear  to  them,  and  reveal  to 
them  the  glory  of  their  fellow- 
ship with  the  sufferings  of  Christ. 
Brood  in  tenderness  over  the 
hearts  of  the  anxious,  the  miser- 
able, the  victims  of  phantasmal 
fears  and  morbid  imaginings.  Re- 
deem from  slavery  the  men  and 
women  who  have  yielded  to  de- 
grading habits.  Put  Thy  Spirit 
within  them,  that  they  may  rise 
up  in  shame  and  sorrow  and  make 

[iT] 


gl  J?oofe  of  ^ra?er£f 


confession  to  Thee,  "So  brutish 
was  I,  and  ignorant:  I  was  as  a 
beast  before  Thee."  And  then  let 
them  have  the  glad  assurance 
that  Thou  art  with  them,  the 
secret  of  all  good,  the  promise  and 
potency  of  better  things.  Console 
with  Thy  large  consolation,  those 
who  mourn  for  their  loved  dead, 
who  count  the  empty  places  and 
long  for  the  sound  of  a  voice  that 
is  still.  Inspire  them  with  the 
firm  conviction  that  the  dead  are 
safe  in  Thy  keeping,  nay,  that 
they  are  not  dead,  but  live  unto 
Thee.  Give  to  all  sorrowing  ones 
a  garland  for  ashes,  the  oil  of  joy 
for  mourning,  and  the  garment  of 
praise  for  the  spirit  of  heaviness. 
Remember  for  good  all  who  are 
perplexed  with  the  mysteries  of 
existence,  and  who  grieve  because 
the  world  is  so  sad  and  unin- 
_ 


a  ?Boofe  ot  drapers? 


telligible.  Teach  them  that  Thy 
hand  is  on  the  helm  of  affairs, 
that  Thou  dost  guide  Thine  own 
world,  and  canst  change  every 
dark  cloud  into  bright  sunshine. 
In  this  faith  let  them  rest,  and  by 
this  faith  let  them  live.  These 
blessings  we  ask  in  the  name 
of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus 
Christ.     Amen, 


[24] 


^  Peak  of  J^vavtxH 


VI 

€TERNAL  God,  rise  with  Thy 
morning  upon  our  souls, 
and  call  us  to  consecrate  another 
day  to  Thy  service.  We  thank 
Thee  for  rest  and  sleep,  and  for 
Thy  watchful  care  throughout  the 
hours  of  darkness.  Thou  hast 
been  as  a  wall  of  fire  about  our 
home,  and  Thyself  the  glory  in 
the  midst.  Thou  dost  care  for 
each  one  of  us,  as  if  Thou  didst 
care  for  him  only,  and  for  all  as 
if  they  were  but  one.  We  would 
commit  our  ways  to  Thee  afresh. 
Sustain  us  amid  all  our  work,  and 
solve  the  problems  of  our  life  that 
are  too  hard  for  us.  May  we  be 
strong  in  the  faith  that  all  things 
work  together  for  good  to  them 
that  love  Thee.  O  God,  our 
allotted  time  is  as  the  passing  of 

[tT] 


g[  Poob  of  drapers! 


a  shadow.  Our  life  vanishes  away 
even  as  a  mist  is  scattered  before 
the  burning  beams  of  the  sun. 
Without  Thee  we  cannot  live  and 
dare  not  die.  Draw  us  into  fellow- 
ship with  Thy  mind  and  will,  that, 
renouncing  the  vain  things  which 
in  times  past  have  charmed,  we 
may  yield  ourselves  unreservedly 
to  Thee,  that  Thou  mayst  use  us  to 
advance  Thy  cause  and  Kingdom 
in  the  world.  Send  forth  Thy 
Spirit  into  our  hearts  to  quicken 
us  with  fresh  zeal  and  devout 
aspiration,  to  rouse  us  to  renewed 
struggle  against  the  evil  that  is 
within  and  without  us.  We  re- 
joice in  the  message  which  Jesus 
Christ,  Thy  Son,  has  brought  us, 
which  tells  us  of  Thy  self-sacrifice, 
in  surrendering  Him  to  death  that 
we  might  win  the  blessedness  for 
which  we  were  created.    When  in 


[26] 


ai  pook  of  ^rapersi 


the  misery  and  confusion  of  our 
guilt  we  shrink  before  the  look  of 
Thy  holiness,  it  is  His  voice  that 
speaks  the  word  which  comforts, 
"I  will  not  pray  the  Father  for 
you,  for  the  Father  himself  loveth 
you."  When  conscious  of  our  un- 
faithfulness to  higher  aims,  and 
yet  craving  the  freedom  of  a 
larger  life,  it  is  His  Spirit  that 
streams  into  our  hearts,  to  clear 
our  inward  vision,  and  to  set  us  in 
the  power  of  Thy  redemption. 
Let  Jesus  Christ  be  born  anew  in 
our  hearts,  and  then  we  will  be 
drawn  to  Thee  with  the  cords  of 
a  man,  with  the  bands  of  love, 
and  henceforth  we  will  run  in 
the  way  of  Thy  commandments, 
counting  none  of  them  grievous. 

We  pray  for  those  who  love  us, 
and  for  those  who,  it  may  be,  dis- 
like us.     Take  from  us  any  evil 

T27I 


gf  poofe  of  drapers; 


thing  that  hinders  the  flow  of  love 
from  soul  to  soul.  Pour  upon  us 
the  spirit  of  brotherhood,  in  the 
strength  of  which  we  may  bear  each 
other's  burdens,  and  cover  with  a 
mantle  of  charity  our  brother's 
weakness.  If  any  are  estranged 
from  us,  do  Thou  pluck  out  of  their 
hearts  and  ours  any  root  of  bitter- 
ness, and  unite  us  again  in  the 
bonds  of  mutual  affection.  If  any 
are  irritable,  or  weak,  or  nervous, 
give  us  a  spirit  of  unwearied  for- 
bearance, that  we  may  be  to  them  a 
source  of  strength  and  poise  and 
self-control.  As  we  go  among  our 
fellows,  may  we  ever  manifest  a 
patient  temper,  a  kind  and  happy 
spirit,  a  love  that  beareth  all  things, 
endureth  all  things,  believeth  all 
things.  These  blessings  we  ask  in 
the  name  of  Jesus  Christ  Thy  Son 
our  Lord.     Amen, 

[28] 


^  JBoofe  of  drapers? 


0! 


VII 

'OST  merciful  God,  Power  of 
our  souls,  Healer  of  our 
diseases,  unto  Thee  would  we 
come.  Amid  the  haste  and  hurry 
of  common  life  Thou  seemest  to 
pass  away.  Amid  the  cares  and 
anxieties  and  all  the  turmoil  of 
our  inner  mind  we  cannot  hear 
Thee  knocking  at  the  door,  seek- 
ing to  enter  and  to  bless.  But 
now  would  we  quiet  our  souls 
before  Thee;  now  would  we  feel 
ourselves  enwrapped  with  Thy 
unspeakable  presence,  and  know 
Thee  as  the  joy  and  strength  of 
life.  Quicken  Thou  our  faith  and 
hope  and  aspiration,  that  we  may 
be  upborne  above  all  unrest  and 
irritation,  and  be  made  sharers 
in  Thy  perfect  calm.  Lengthen 
these     moments     of    prayer,     we 


ia  poofe  of  ^raj>erjf 


beseech  Thee,  until  our  whole 
life  becomes  a  continual  aspiration 
after  Thee. 

Father  of  all  mercies!  God  of 
all  comfort!  we  bring  before  Thee 
the  record  of  our  lives,  stained 
with  the  memories  of  sin  and 
failure.  Be  patient  with  us,  for  if 
Thou  turn  Thy  face  from  us,  we 
are  lost.  Cast  us  not  from  Thy 
presence,  and  take  not  Thy  Holy 
Spirit  from  us.  Call  us  back  to  the 
right  and  holy  path.  Thou  Shepherd 
of  our  souls.  Place  upon  us  once 
more  Thy  blessed  yoke;  set  us 
face  to  face  with  our  unaccom- 
plished tasks,  and  we  will  prove 
our  penitence  by  the  constancy  of 
our  wills  in  the  strength  of  Thy 
forgiving  grace.  Give  unto  us 
what  Thou  commandest,  and  then 
command  what  Thou  wilt. 

Here  would  we   remember  be- 

[30] 


a  ?@oofe  of  S^xHpttsi 


fore  Thee  the  wants  and  sorrows 
of  our  fellows.  Have  mercy,  we 
entreat  Thee,  upon  any  who  are 
entangled  in  earthly  things,  who 
it  may  be,  have  given  up  all  hope 
of  the  higher  life.  Leave  them 
not  to  themselves,  but  waken 
them  to  the  vanity  of  all  that 
is  temporal,  that  they  may  find 
satisfaction  only  in  the  things 
that  are  eternal.  Be  present  with 
Thy  help  to  the  tempted.  By 
some  sweet  memory  or  dear  affec- 
tion reinforce  the  powers  of  the 
soul,  that  the  mind  may  think 
only  of  what  is  fair  and  lovely  and 
of  good  report,  and  the  will  re- 
sist to  the  uttermost  the  assaults 
of  wrong.  Unto  those,  O  God, 
who  feel  the  pain  and  darkness 
and  mystery  of  life,  let  the  Sun 
of  Righteousness  arise  with  heal- 
ing in  His  wings.     Remember  in 

[311 


jH  ^Qofe  o{  $raperfi^ 


pity,  the  sick,  the  distressed  of 
body  or  of  mind.  Many  and 
great  are  the  disorders  of  our 
mortal  nature,  but  Thy  medicines 
are  mightier.  Open  the  souls  of 
all  who  lie  in  beds  of  weariness  to 
the  inflow  of  Thy  Divine  Life. 
In  the  silence  may  they  hear  Thy 
voice  saying,  "I  have  heard  thy 
prayer,  I  have  seen  thy  tears, 
behold,  I  will  heal  thee."  For 
the  burden-bearers,  the  tempest- 
tossed,  the  afflicted  and  not  com- 
forted, we  pray.  Thy  consolations 
are  greater  than  all  the  sorrows  of 
the  world.  Bind  up  the  broken- 
hearted, and  with  Thy  touch  heal 
those  wounds  of  the  soul  that 
bleed  and  will  not  cease.  Give 
a  spirit  of  endurance  and  of  trust 
to  those  whose  thorn  in  the  flesh 
must  remain.  Save  them  from 
despair,  from  the  indifference  of  a 


a  J?oofe  of  drapers; 


heart  without  faith,  and  perfect 
Thy  strength  in  their  weakness. 
Comfort  all  men  everywhere  with 
Thy  light,  and  guide  them  by  Thy 
Spirit,  for  Jesus  Christ's  sake. 
Amen, 


[33] 


^  JSoofe  of  ^rapets( 


VIII 

eTERNAL  God,  lead  us  into 
the  blessedness  of  the  mys- 
tery of  communion  with  Thee. 
Bow  our  spirits  in  deepest  rever- 
ence before  Thee,  yet  uplift  us 
into  a  sense  of  kinship.  Send  the 
spirit  of  Thy  Son  into  our  hearts, 
crying  "Abba,  Father,"  that  all 
unworthy  fear  may  be  banished 
by  the  gladness  of  Thy  perfect 
love.  Thy  love  is  like  the 
luminous  heaven,  receiving  only 
to  purify  the  foulest  breath  of 
earth.  Thy  gentleness  is  like  the 
sun,  seeking  to  cheer  and  warm 
the  chilled  hearts  of  men.  Touch 
us,  O  our  Father,  with  a  feeling 
of  Thy  great  realities,  for  though 
our  thought  about  Thee  is  better 
than  our  words,  our  experience  of 
Thee  is  better  than  our  thought. 

[34] 


la  Poo&  ot  $raperiQ( 


Bestow  upon  us,  we  beseech 
Thee,  the  grace  for  which  we 
severally  crave.  Troubles  over- 
whelm the  heart:  lead  us  to  the 
rock  that  Is  higher  than  we. 
Doubts  assail  us.  Give  us  a 
supreme  trust  that  will  not  let 
Thee  go,  until  the  day  break  and 
the  shadows  flee  away.  We  are 
unstable,  easily  moved  by  ex- 
ternal circumstance.  Strengthen 
us  that  we  may  play,  the  man, 
and  in  Thy  might  grant  us  to 
gain  dominion  over  the  world. 
Our  hearts  are  sad,  thinking,  as 
we  do,  of  dear  ones,  so  tenderly 
loved,  but  now  taken  from  us, 
or  of  living  griefs  that  will  not 
heal.  Wipe  Thou  our  tears  away. 
O  God  of  hope!  save  us  from  de- 
spair. Thou  bringest  the  dead 
out  of  the  living  and  the  living 
out  of  the  dead.    Come  and  work 

[35] 


^  fgoo&  of  drapers; 


Thy  wonders  in  the  hearts  of 
those  who  grieve  and  wound  us 
and  cause  us  to  drink  of  bitter 
tears,  that  sorrow  may  flee  away 
and  our  mouth  be  filled  with 
laughter  and  our  tongue  with 
singing. 

We  entreat  Thee,  O  Lord,  to 
remember  us  in  our  daily  work. 
Let  us  do  it  heartily,  as  unto  Thee, 
and  not  as  unto  men.  Grant  that 
our  tasks  may  be  congenial  to  us; 
that  we  may  give  ourselves  wholly 
to  them.  Consecrate  all  our 
powers  of  body  and  mind  to  Thy 
service.  Give  us  enthusiasm,  a 
fervent  spirit,  a  cheerful,  hopeful 
temper,  so  that  we  may  do  our 
work  with  ease  and  self  control, 
not  with  idle  worry,  or  fruitless 
fear.  Let  us  not  think  too  much 
of  our  rights,  but  always  of  our 
duties,   and  when  we  have  done 

1361 


^  JBoofe  of  l^va^tv^ 


all,  then  let  us  say,  "We  are  un- 
profitable servants."  And  when 
Thou  drawest  the  curtain  of  night 
upon  our  labour,  give  us  the  sweet 
gift  of  sleep.  All  this  we  ask  for 
Jesus'  sake.     Amen, 


[371 


a  poofe  of  l^xavtv^ 


IX 

^^\  LORD,  our  God,  we  de- 
\L^  sire  to  feel  Thee  near  us  in 
spirit  and  in  body  at  this  time. 
We  know  that  in  Thee  we  live 
and  move  and  have  our  being, 
but  we  are  cast  down  and  easily 
disquieted,  and  we  wander  in  many 
a  sad  wilderness  where  we  lose 
the  conscious  experience  of  Thy 
presence.  Yet  the  deepest  yearn- 
ing of  our  hearts  is  unto  Thee. 
As  the  hart  panteth  after  the 
waterbrooks,  so  pant  our  souls 
after  Thee,  O  God.  Nothing  less 
than  Thyself  can  still  the  hunger, 
or  quench  the  thirst  with  which 
Thou  hast  inspired  us.  Power  of 
our  souls!  enter  Thou  into  them 
and  fit  them  for  Thyself,  making 
them  pure  with  Christ's  purity, 
loving  and  lovable  with  His  love. 

"  [sT] 


a  Jgoofe  of  S^xaptvs^ 


As  we  feel  Thy  presence  we 
know  we  are  not  what  we  ought 
to  be.  Help  us  to  bring  into 
the  clear  light  of  the  mind  what- 
ever evil  lurks  within,  that  the 
conscience  may  be  aroused  to 
lift  up  its  voice  and  spare  not. 
Pardon  the  sins  of  the  inner  life. 
Forgive  the  unbelief  that  is  ever 
loosening  our  hold  upon  Thy  su- 
preme realities;  the  shortsighted- 
ness that  ever  stays  our  vision 
upon  things  temporal  and  mate- 
rial; the  pride  of  spirit  or  of 
intellect  that  wars  against  all 
loveliness  and  grace;  the  cold- 
ness of  heart  that  never  melts 
into  humility,  and  is  never  warmed 
into  self-sacrifice.  O  God,  pity 
us.  Leave  us  not  to  our  loveless, 
lifeless  ways.  Let  the  chaff  within 
us  be  blown  away  by  the  breath  of 
Thy  judgment,  and  let  the  wheat 

[39] 


1 

gl  J?oofe  of  3^vaptvsi 

be  garnered  by  the  varied  minis- 
tries of   Thy  grace!     Let  our 
dreary  wastes  blossom  once  more,    . 
and  let  our  wilderness  be  as  the 
garden  of  the  Lord! 

In   the   multitude   of   our   own 
wants,  we  would   not   forget   the 
wants  of  others.    Look  upon  those 
who  especially  need  Thy  comfort. 
Be  present  in  Thy  consoling  pity 
with    those    who    grieve    because 
death  has   robbed  them  of  loved 
ones,  who  weep  for  a  sunshine  that 
never   returns.     Let  them  realise 
that  the  realms  of  death  and  life 
alike  are  Thine.     Solace  all  that 
mourn  with  a  grief  that  saps  the 
mind  and  breaks   the  heart,   and 
grant  them  to  believe  that  though 
weeping  may  endure  for  a  night,  joy 
cometh  in  the  morning.    For  those 
who  are  anxious  and  overstrained, 
laden  with  burdens  which  are  not 

[401 

• 

a  poofe  of  draper? 


of  Thy  sending,  we  beseech  Thy 
heavenly  benediction.  Give  them 
freedom  of  heart,  peace  of  con- 
science, the  rest  of  lying  still  in 
Thy  hands,  the  joy  of  surrender- 
ing all  their  cares  to  Thee,  who 
carest  for  every  creature  Thou  hast 
made.  Whatever  be  the  need  or 
the  desire,  do  Thou  supply  it  ac- 
cording to  the  riches  of  Thy  grace 
in  glory  by  Christ  Jesus.     Amen, 


1411 


a  Jiaofe  of  drapers; 


X 

W^  GOD,  Thou  hast  found  us, 
K^  and  not  we  Thee.  At  times 
we  but  dimly  discern  Thee;  the 
dismal  mists  of  earth  obscure  Thy 
glory.  Yet  in  other  and  more 
blessed  moments,  Thou  dost  rise 
upon  our  souls,  and  we  know  Thee 
as  the  Light  of  all  our  seeing,  the 
Life  of  all  that  is  not  dead  within 
us,  the  Bringer  of  health  and  cure, 
the  Revealer  of  peace  and  truth. 
We  will  not  doubt  our  better 
moments,  for  in  them  Thou  dost 
speak  to  us.  We  rejoice  that 
Thou  hast  created  us  in  Thine 
image.  Thy  Love  has  stirred 
us  into  being,  has  endowed  us 
with  spiritual  substance.  In 
the  intellect,  whose  thoughts  wan- 
der through  eternity;  in  the  con- 
science that  bears  witness  to 


[42 


^  $aok  of  ^tapers! 


Thy  eternal  righteousness;  in  the 
affections  that  make  life  sweet, 
and  reach  forth  to  Thee,  O  Lover 
of  Mankind  —  in  these,  we  are 
made  heirs  to  the  riches  of  Thy 
grace.  And  when  we  wandered 
from  Thee  into  the  far  country, 
and  there  wasted  our  substance, 
Thou  didst  not  forsake  us.  Thy 
love  followed  after  us  and  would 
not  let  us  go,  and  compelled  us 
to  return.  We  praise  Thee  that 
in  the  advent  of  Thy  dear  Son, 
all  that  Thou  art  has  become 
visible  to  faith.  His  passion 
has  become  our  deliverance.  His 
wounds  our  healing,  His  Cross 
our  redemption.  His  death  our 
life.  Make  us  one  with  Him  in 
faith  and  penitence,  that  as  He 
died,  so  we  may  die  unto  sin, 
that  as  He  rose  again  triumphant 
over    wrong    and    shame    and 

[43l 


a  Poofe  of  S^xaptv^ 


despair,  so  we  may  rise  with  Him 
into  newness  of  life. 

Our  Father  be  with  us,  we  pray 
Thee,  not  only  in  the  great  mo- 
ments of  experience,  but  also  in 
the  trivial  round,  the  common 
task.  Make  us  children  of  quiet- 
ness and  heirs  of  peace.  Grant 
that  we  may  go  among  our  fellows 
with  cheerful,  kindly  faces,  ever 
lenient  to  their  faults,  ever  glad 
to  praise  their  virtues.  Help  us 
to  control  our  tempers,  and  to  be 
kindly  aifectioned  one  towards 
another.  Wherever  we  see  need 
or  distress,  may  we  be  ready  to 
help,  counting  it  our  joy  to  bear 
another's  burdens,  and  so  fulfil 
the  law  of  Christ.  Save  us  from 
all  selfish  pleasure  and  slothful 
ease  and  idle  curiosity.  Keep  us 
ever  mindful  of  the  fewness  of 
our   days,    and    the    greatness    of 


a  JJoofe  of  ^rapetjf 


Thy  work.  As  our  day  is,  so  let 
our  strength  be.  And  let  Thy 
favour  be  upon  us;  establish  Thou 
the  work  of  our  hands  upon  us; 
yea,  the  work  of  our  hands,  estab- 
lish Thou  it,  through  Jesus  Christ, 
our  Lord.     Amen. 


[45] 


iS  ^oo&  of  $raper£^ 


0 


XI 

GOD,  who  art  unsearchable 
in  Thy  judgments,  and  in 
Thy  ways  past  finding  out,  we 
bow  before  the  mystery  of  Thy 
Being,  and  confess  that  we  know 
nothing,  and  can  say  nothing  wor- 
thy of  Thee.  We  cannot  under- 
stand Thy  dealings  with  us.  We 
have  faith,  not  sight;  when  we 
cannot  see,  we  may  only  believe. 
Sometimes  Thou  seemest  to  have 
no  mercy  upon  us.  Thou  dost 
pierce  us  through  our  most  tender 
affections,  quenching  the  light  of 
our  eyes  in  dreadful  darkness. 
Death  tears  from  us  all  that  we 
love,  and  Thou  art  seemingly  deaf 
to  all  our  cries.  Our  earthly  cir- 
cumstances are  reversed  and  bitter 
poverty  is  appointed  us,  yet  Thou 
takest  no  heed,  and  bringest  no 

[46] 


ia  Jloofe  of  ^rapetfif. 


comfort  to  the  sorrow  and  the 
barrenness  of  our  life.  Still  would 
we  trust  in  Thee  and  cling  to 
that  deepest  of  our  instincts  which 
tells  us  that  we  come  from  Thee 
and  return  to  Thee.  Be  with  us, 
Father  of  Mercies,  in  love  and 
pity  and  tenderness  unspeakable. 
Lift  our  souls  into  Thy  perfect 
calm,  where  all  our  griefs  are  put 
to  rest,  and  our  wills  are  in  har- 
mony with  Thine. 

O  Lord,  remember  each  one  of 
us  in  our  need.  Thou  wilt  not 
forget  our  dear  ones  who  are  sick. 
Many  whom  Thou  lovest  are  ill 
in  body  or  in  mind.  Heal  them, 
we  entreat  Thee;  and  grant  that 
after  they  have  been  afflicted,  they 
may  be  comforted,  and  taste  of 
those  deeper  joys  that  are  pur- 
chased only  with  pain.  Graciously 
bless  our  children.  Lay  Thy  hand 
_ 


^  poo&  of  S^xaptv^ 


upon  them,  and  grant  that  through 
the  coming  years,  in  joy  or  in  sor- 
row, in  health  or  in  sickness,  in  all 
the  changes  of  their  life,  they  may 
live  under  Thine  eye  and  in  Thy 
strength,  and  rise  into  the  meas- 
ure of  the  stature  of  the  fulness  of 
Christ.  Be  gracious  to  those  who 
bear  responsibility,  the  toilers  who 
win  bread  for  wife  and  child.  Let 
them  not  be  crushed  by  the  bur- 
dens which  they  have  to  carry. 
Sweeten  every  task;  lighten  every 
load  with  a  sense  of  duty  done,  of 
love's  command  obeyed.  Remem- 
ber the  aged.  Smooth  their  de- 
clining steps.  Help  them  to  bear 
the  infirmities  of  the  years.  Make 
the  old  man  young  again  in  spirit, 
that  he  may  have  a  foretaste  of  the 
eternal  youth  of  Heaven. 

Immortal   Father!    the  years 
are  fast  passing.     Even  as  a  va- 


[48] 


H  ^oo&  of  ^raperss 


pour,  our  little  life  vanisheth  away. 
O  spare  us  that  we  may  do  some 
work  for  Thy  sake  alone!  Let  us 
not  pass  hence  until,  if  it  may  be, 
through  us  a  sinner  shall  be  con- 
verted from  the  error  of  his  ways, 
or  an  ignorant  soul  instructed, 
or  a  grief-stricken  heart  consoled 
and  strengthened,  or  an  outcast 
brought  into  the  home  and  fellow- 
ship of  the  children  of  God.  Our 
being  is  a  great  mystery,  set  be- 
tween two  eternities,  and  search 
we  ever  so  deeply  we  can  not 
know  the  meaning.  We  believe 
that  life  is  ours  in  order  that  it 
may  be  the  channel  for  Thy  saving 
and  recreating  power;  that  our 
wills  are  ours  in  order  that  they 
may  be  made  Thine.  Let  the 
dead  past  bury  its  dead.  For  the 
time  that  remains,  consecrate  us 
to  the  service  of  the  living,  and 

[491 


a  JJoofe  of  ^rapersi 


draw  us  to  the  spirit  of  Him  who 
came  not  to  be  ministered  unto, 
but  to  minister,  and  to  give  his 
life  a  ransom  for  many.  These 
petitions  we  make  in  His  name. 
Amen. 


[501 


a  JBoofe  of  S^xaptvsi 

XII 

^LMIGHTY  Father,  teach  us 
c%%  by  Thy  Spirit  how  to  pray, 
for  indeed  we  know  not  how  to 
pray  as  we  ought.     Give  us  the 
desire  to  speak  with  Thee,  and  then 
let  us   hear  Thee  speak  with  us. 
Thy  goodness  and  loving  kindness 
have  followed  us  day  by  day.  Thy 
mercies  have  been  so  common  that 
we  have  dared  to  deem  them  com- 
monplace.    Give  us  the  spiritual 
sight,  quick  to  discern  Thy  hand 
and  recognise  Thy  bounty.     From 
Thee  alone  come  life  and  strength, 
food     and     raiment,     books     and 
friends,    work    and    rest.      Thou 
givest  us  these  to  train  us  for  the 
better  and  the  more  abiding  joys. 
Let    us    not    repine    when    Thou 
takest  them  from  us,  but  let  us 
rejoice  that  in  Thee  our  loss  turns 

[51] 

a  Poofe  of  ^rapersJ 


to  infinite  gain.  Amid  the  changes 
of  life,  0  Lord,  keep  us  steadfast 
and  loyal  to  the  service  of  Thy 
will.  Let  no  storm  disturb  the 
deep  things  of  our  quietness.  Let 
no  trial  shake  the  foundations  of 
our  faith.  Establish  us  in  the 
assurance  that  though  all  else 
perish.  Thy  truth  and  righteous- 
ness are  eternal;  that  though  we 
faint  and  fail.  Thou  failest  never. 
Thine  unchangeableness  rebukes 
our  fickleness;  Thine  abiding  pa- 
tience, our  want  of  self-control. 

Grant  us,  O  heavenly  Father, 
perfect  remission  and  forgiveness 
for  all  our  wasted  hours.  Too 
often  have  we  proved  recreant  in 
the  fight  against  evil  and  put  to 
sleep  the  cries  of  conscience.  We 
have  chosen  selfish  ease,  or  mean 
ambitions,  or  unholy  pleasures, 
and    have    said,    "These   be   our 

[52] 


3  poofe  o{  ^tapers; 


gods!"  And  then  have  we  be- 
come the  bond-servants  of  sin. 
Have  mercy  upon  us  and  free  us 
from  those  habits  of  thought  and 
feeling  which  the  years  have 
engraven  upon  us.  Subdue  the 
waywardness  of  our  hearts  to  the 
meekness  of  Christ.  Let  Him 
enter  anew  into  our  souls,  and  be 
formed  in  us,  that  every  evil 
habit  may  fall  from  off  us,  and 
that  we  may  put  on  the  virtues 
and  graces  of  the  Christian  life. 
Let  our  days  be  bound  each  to 
each  in  the  bonds  of  spiritual  piety. 
If  Thou  shouldst  call  us  to  bear 
pain  or  sorrow,  give  us  patience 
that  we  may  win  from  it  its 
hidden  blessing.  And  to  this  end 
grant  that  we  may  not  speak  too 
much  about  our  griefs,  nor  let 
them  prey  upon  our  hearts,  but 
commit  them  all  to  Thee,  casting 

[sT] 


^  Poofe  of  ^rapersf 


all  our  care  upon  Thee,  because 
Thou  carest  for  us.  Shouldst 
Thou  summon  us  to  some  great 
act  of  sacrifice,  steady  the  will,  O 
Lord,  and  inspire  the  heart  with 
great  courage,  and  put  within  us 
the  mind  of  Him  who  emptied 
Himself  and  took  upon  Him  the 
form  of  a  servant,  and  became 
obedient  unto  death,  even  the 
death  of  the  Cross.  Teach  us  that 
it  is  better  to  give  than  to  receive, 
better  to  lose  our  life  than  to  save 
it.  And  so  may  we  ever  pass  into 
Thy  hand,  and  be  dedicated  to 
Thy  service,  which  is  perfect  free- 
dom. Hear  us,  in  Thy  mercy, 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 


[54] 


Si  Poofc  of  ^tapers; 


XIII 

/^S  GOD  of  infinite  mercy,  who 
Kl^  hast  compassion  upon  all 
men  and  hatest  nothing  Thou  hast 
made,  we  praise  and  magnify  Thy 
glorious  name  for  all  the  goodness 
Thou  hast  vouchsafed  to  us.  Thou 
hast  given  us  this  wonderful  life, 
with  its  strange  secrets,  its  per- 
plexing mysteries,  its  boundless 
aspirations,  its  limitless  capacities 
for  joy  and  sorrow.  Thou  hast 
sent  us  success  and  happiness;  we 
have  taken  them  as  our  due,  and 
have  scarce  given  Thee  a  thought. 
Thou  hast  permitted  griefs  and 
pains  to  befall  us  that  Thou  might- 
est  draw  us  to  Thyself;  but  we 
have  murmured  against  the  whole- 
some discipline,  and  have  missed 
Its  saving  message.  Thou  hast 
held  up  before  us  ideals  of  peace 


g[  Poofe  of  drapers! 


and  holiness  —  not  engraven  on 
awful  tables  of  stone  but  revealed 
in  the  grace  and  beauty  of  the 
Man  Christ  Jesus  —  yet  have  we 
turned  to  lower  levels  and  made 
compromise  with  the  evil  of  the 
world.  In  Thy  mercy,  forgive  us 
all  that  is  past,  and  for  the  future 
bow  our  wills  in  obedience  to 
Thine,  that  we  may  love  Thee  per- 
fectly, and  serve  Thee  faithfully. 
Loving  Father!  though  Thou 
countest  the  stars  and  bringest forth 
their  host,  yet  dost  Thou  bind  up 
the  wounds  of  the  sick  and  healest 
the  broken-hearted.  If  to  any  of 
us  Thou  hast  especially  spoken 
words  of  comfort  and  of  strength, 
we  thank  Thee.  If  Thou  hast 
saved  any  from  temptation,  or 
answered  the  cry  of  a  perplexed 
soul,  or  opened  a  way  back  to 
Heaven  and  holiness  for  some  poor 
_ 


a  JSoofe  of  l^vapttsi 


prodigal  child  of  Thine,  we  praise 
Thee.  If  Thou  hast  touched  any 
heart  with  a  special  joy,  or  hast 
turned  for  any  life  the  shadow  of 
death  into  Thy  morning,  we  give 
thanks  to  Thee  for  Thy  great 
glory.  By  the  memory  of  all  the 
outgoings  of  thy  compassion,  we 
would  vow  ourselves  afresh  to 
Thee,  and  to  the  work  Thou  hast 
given  us  to  do. 

We  pray  for  all  men.  We  pray 
for  those  who  cannot  pray  for 
themselves,  who  think  of  Thee 
only  as  a  vague  and  puzzling  image 
of  the  mind.  Teach  them  how 
real,  how  gracious,  how  generous 
Thou  art,  the  Source  of  life  and 
light,  without  whom  we  were  lost 
in  death  and  darkness.  We  pray 
for  the  sick  in  the  homes  and 
hospitals  of  our  land.  Bless 
watched  and  watcher  alike,  that 


[57 


S  JBoofe  of  drapers} 


to  the  watched  may  come,  even 
amid  bodily  pain  and  trial, 
strength  of  mind,  calm  of  soul, 
and  to  the  watcher,  the  sympathy 
and  tenderness  that  bring  Thy 
message  of  hope.  We  ask  for  no 
miracle,  no  violation  of  the  laws 
Thou  hast  ordained,  but  we  seek 
that  through  Thy  appointed  chan- 
nels Thou  wouldest  send  forth 
Thy  word  and  heal  the  afflicted,  so 
that  men  might  praise  Thee  for 
Thy  loving  kindness  and  for  Thy 
wonderful  works  to  the  children 
of  men.  Each  heart  knows  its 
own  bitterness,  but  Thou  knowest 
the  bitterness  of  all  hearts.  Thou 
hast  a  healing  balm  for  each  hurt 
of  the  soul.  Bring  strength  to  the 
weary,  relief  to  the  nervous  and 
the  miserable,  consolation  to  the 
disconsolate,  and  deliverance  to 
those  who  sit  in  the  shadow  of 

[58] 


a  Jioafe  of  drapers; 


death,  fast  bound  in  misery  and 
iron.  Speak  peace  to  the  troubled 
conscience;  strengthen  the  weak; 
confirm  the  strong;  save  the  op- 
pressed and  him  that  hath  no 
helper.  And,  by  Thy  mercy,  bring 
us  all  by  the  paths  of  righteousness 
and  the  waters  of  comfort  to  Thine 
abode  of  rest  and  glory,  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.    Amen, 


[591 


^  JJoofe  of  ^raperjJ 


XIV 

/^S  GOD,  in  whom  we  live  and 
\l^  move  and  have  our  being, 
make  us  to  feel  Thy  presence,  as 
we  would  lift  here  a  voice  of  pen- 
itence and  prayer.  We  are  not 
always  conscious  of  Thy  closeness 
to  us.  In  the  misery  of  bereave- 
ment, or  the  sadness  of  a  wronged 
affection,  or  in  the  loneliness  of 
depression  which  comes  we  know 
not  how,  and  envelops  the  soul 
with  thick  clouds,  we  are  forced  to 
cry;  ''O  that  I  knew  where  I 
might  find  him!  Behold  I  go  for- 
ward, but  He  is  not  there,  and 
backward,  but  I  cannot  perceive 
Him!"  But  now  would  we  see 
Thee  in  all  the  glory  of  Thine  over- 
flowing mercy;  now  would  we  know 
Thee  as  the  inmost  Treasure  of  our 
hearts,  the  never-failing  Light  in 


^  Poofe  ot  ^vaytvsi 


the  darkness  and  mystery  of  our 
little  lives. 

Father  of  mercies!  We  thank 
Thee  for  all  that  Thou  art  to  us. 
We  cannot  understand  the  great- 
ness of  Thy  grace  that  Thou 
shouldst  rejoice  in  us  and  love  to 
hold  converse  with  us.  We  can 
only  adore  Thee  and  praise  Thee 
for  Thy  goodness  and  Thy  mar- 
vellous loving  kindness.  Thou 
art  our  King,  and  therefore  the 
laws  and  ways  of  Thy  Kingdom 
safeguard  our  happiness.  Thou 
art  our  Shepherd,  and  dost 
lead  us  by  the  green  pastures 
and  the  still  waters  of  Thy 
grace.  Thou  art  our  Father,  whose 
infinite  tenderness  bears  all  our 
sickness  and  carries  all  our  sor- 
rows. Thou  art  our  Companion, 
therefore  we  will  fear  no  evil, 
though  we  should  walk  through 

[61] 


^  Poofe  of  ^raperjJ 


the    valley    of    the     shadow    of 
death. 

Thy  goodness  leadeth  us  to  re- 
pentance. We  confess  with  shame 
that  we  have  not  been  pure  and 
true.  Instead  of  overcoming  evil, 
we  have  too  often  been  overcome 
by  it.  We  have  forgotten  the  holy 
calling  wherewith  Thou  hast  called 
us,  and  turned  back  to  the  flesh- 
pots  of  the  world.  The  powers  of 
the  unseen  have  been  manifested 
around  us,  all  the  ineffable  grace 
of  the  Godhead  hath  dwelt  among 
us  in  the  person  of  Thy  Son  Jesus 
Christ,  —  and  we  are  still  irreso- 
lute, still  uncommitted  to  the  per- 
fect life,  still  unable  to  make  the 
great  resolve.  O  God,  have  pity 
upon  us.  Put  within  us  a  spirit  of 
penitence  and  of  faith,  that  the 
bands  which  bind  us  may  melt 
away  and  nothing  shall  be  impos- 
_ 


31  Jioofe  of  ^ra|>er)0( 


sible  unto  us.  Take  from  us  the 
intolerable  burden  of  conscious 
guilt,  that  we  may  step  forth  into 
the  glorious  liberty  of  the  children 
of  God.  Crown  us  kings  and 
priests  unto  Thee,  our  God,  vic- 
torious over  the  discouragements 
that  beset  us,  pledged  to  no  am- 
bition save  that  of  loving  Thee 
and  of  helping  our  brothers  in 
sincerity  and  simplicity.  Grant 
that  we  may  commend  our  religion 
to  others  by  our  joyous  demeanour, 
our  courage  under  trials,  our  self- 
restraint  under  provocation,  our 
patience  under  misfortune  and  dis- 
appointment. Thus  may  we,  as 
far  as  in  us  lies,  spread  the  knowl- 
edge of  the  good  news  of  Thy 
Kingdom,  and  attract  others  into 
it  with  the  glad  invitation — "O 
sad  and  disconsolate,  weary  and 
heavy-laden  ones,  come  ye,  and  let 

[63T  ~ 


9  iBooii  of  Ij^vapttsi 


us  walk  in  the  light  of  the  Lord!" 
These  blessings  we  beseech  Thee 
to  give  us  for  Jesus  Christ's  sake. 


[64] 


a  JBoofe  of  ^rapersi 


XV 

jMrERCIFUL  Father!  Thou 
JJ/VJ'  delightest  to  answer  our 
prayer.  Take  us  at  this  time  into 
communion  with  Thyself.  Breathe 
into  our  hearts  so  that  our  human 
desires  may  be  brought  into  har- 
mony with  Thy  divine  desire. 
Banish  from  us  all  pride,  arrogance, 
and  self-conceit;  all  insincerity 
and  doubleness  of  mind  or  heart. 
Make  us  simple  with  the  simplicity 
which  is  in  Christ.  May  our  desires, 
purged  of  all  unworthiness,  rise  up 
before  Thee  as  the  incense,  and, 
what  Thou  hast  inspired  within  us, 
be  pleased  to  accept  and  bless. 

Set  us  free,  O  Lord,  from  the 
bonds  of  sense  and  outward  things. 
Lift  from  off  us  the  heavy  weight  of 
custom.  May  we  no  longer  serve 
the  traditions   of  men  but  obey 

[651 


a  Poofe  of  ^raj>ersf 


Thy  commandments  with  glad 
and  willing  hearts.  Sanctify  our 
sorrows.  Let  them  not  dull  our 
minds  or  narrow  our  hearts;  but 
do  Thou  work  through  them  Thy 
holy  ends  and  call  us  by  them  to 
a  deeper  knowledge  and  a  larger 
vision.  When  the  difficulties  of 
the  day  try  us,  take  from  us  all 
weak  lamenting  and  inspire  us 
with  Thy  strength  to  grapple  with 
them,  and  to  win  from  them  a 
deeper  trust  in  Thee.  Consecrate 
all  our  work  and  service.  Inspire 
us  with  a  spirit  of  devotion  and 
patience.  May  we  seek  not  our 
own  glory  but  to  do  Thy  pleasure 
and  to  bring  forth  some  fruit 
which  may  be  to  the  praise  of 
Thy  grace.  Grant  that  we  may 
throw  aside  all  sloth  and  self- 
seeking  and  learn  the  blessedness 
of    an    eager    and    sacrificial    life. 


66] 


a  Jloofe  of  l^va^tva 


Bless  us  in  our  intercourse  with 
our  fellows.  Quicken  our  hearts 
that  we  may  be  swift  to  hear  our 
brother's  cry  from  the  pit  of 
humiliation  or  of  need.  Give  us 
the  forgiving  spirit,  else  how  should 
we  know  ourselves  forgiven  by 
Thee?  If  any  have  wronged  us, 
grant  that  we  may  bring  to  them 
Thy  charity  and  win  them  to  a 
better  mind.  If  any  are  in  dis- 
grace or  shame,  outcasts  from 
the  world,  make  us  Thy  messen- 
gers of  mercy,  that  we  may  share 
the  pain,  and  by  our  love,  which 
IS  also  Thine,  lead  them  back  to 
Thy  home  and  fellowship.  May 
we  be  to  all  men  Thy  revealers  and 
interpreters,  bearing  Thy  appeal 
to  the  sinning,  the  sorrowful  and 
the  despairing.  And  this  we  would 
be  and  do,  through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.     Amen, 


[67 


Si  IBook  of  ^rapersJ 

XVI 

A^  THOU,  who  hast  created  all 
^tt^  things,  and  for  whose  glory 
they  are  and  were  created!     We 
thank  thee  for  the  beauty  of  This 
world,  for  the  glory  of  leaf  and 
flower,  for  the  majesty  and  mys- 
tery of  the  stars,  for  the  singing  of 
the  birds,   for  the   splendours   of 
dawn   and   sunset,    for   the   ever- 
changing  wonders  of  summer  and 
winter.     Through   these   symbols 
of  Thee  grant  that  we  may  rise  to 
Thee  and  be  possessed  by  Thee. 
Glorious    as    are   Thy   manifesta- 
tions in  Nature,  Thou  art  Thyself 
more  glorious  by  far.    Thy  great- 
ness none  can  comprehend;  Thy 
purity  makes  the  Heavens  unclean; 
Thy  power  in  Nature,  as  in  spirit, 
reaches  beyond  our  utmost  imagi- 
nings.    Awe  us  by  Thy  holiness, 

[68] 

^  Pook  o{  ^tapers; 

1 

subdue  us  by  Thy  majesty,  yet, 
in   the   tenderness   of  Thy  grace, 
cause  us  to  stand  before  Thee  con- 
fident and  unashamed.    And  then, 
0  Lord,  when  we  hear  Thy  voice 
saying,  "Whom  shall  I  send  and 
who  will  go  for  us?"  our  hearts 
will   make   reply,    "Here   are  we. 
Lord,  send  us."     In  Thy  mercy, 
deliver  us  from  egotism  and  self- 
centred  thought,  by  the  power  of 
a  great  pity  for  the  poor  and  needy, 
for  Thy  children  everywhere  who 
long  to  be  understood,   and  who 
crave     in     the     darkness     for     a 
brother's  hand.     Bow  our  wills  to 
the  law  of  sacrifice,  so  that  we  may 
share  the  burdens  of  others   and 
freely  yield  of  what  we  have  re- 
ceived.    Enable  us  to  see  good  in 
every  man,   and  to  search  for  it 
earnestly.      Henceforth    may    we 
know  no  man  after  the  flesh,  but 

[69] 

a  Poofe  of  drapers; 


after  the  spirit;  may  we  judge  no 
man  by  his  weak  or  vicious  mo- 
ments, but  by  the  best  that  is  in 
him,  by  the  deepest  desires  that 
here  find  no  true  fulfilment. 

Give  us  simplicity  and  direct- 
ness in  all  our  dealings  with  our 
fellows.  Fill  us  with  a  horror  of 
all  meanness  and  hard-heartedness. 
May  the  appeal  of  wretchedness 
never  knock  at  our  hearts  in  vain, 
nor  the  cry  of  the  wronged  or  op- 
pressed be  powerless  to  rouse  us  to 
righteous  indignation.  Awaken  us 
from  our  spiritual  slumbers  and 
teach  us  the  holy  joy  of  service  in 
Thy  name.  Reveal  to  us  the  glory 
of  our  vocation,  the  glory  of  bat- 
tling with  wrong,  of  helping  the 
weak,  of  blessing  the  sinful,  of 
shaping  a  character  that  cannot 
die.  Banish  from  our  hearts  all 
despair  and  doubt  and  hesitation, 

[701 


a  poofe  ot  ^rai>erj5 


and  send  us  forth  into  the  sunshine 
cleansed  and  purified  and  glad- 
dened. May  we  radiate  Thy  love 
alike  to  the  good  and  the  bad,  the 
just  and  the  unjust.  We  ascribe 
unto  Thee  all  praise  and  glory, 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 


[711 


a  JBoofe  of  drapers; 


XVII 

TT  OVING  Father,  our  hearts  are 
J^  moved  to  gratitude  and  trust 
when  we  look  up  to  Thee.  We 
rejoice  that  through  our  fleeting 
days  there  runs  Thy  gracious  pur- 
pose. We  praise  Thee  that  we  are 
not  the  creatures  of  chance,  nor 
the  victims  of  iron  fate,  but  that 
out  from  Thee  we  have  come  and 
into  Thy  bosom  we  shall  return. 
We  would  not,  even  if  we  could, 
escape  Thee.  Thou  alone  art  good, 
and  to  escape  from  Thee  is  to  fall 
into  infinite  evil.  Thy  hand  is 
upon  us  moving  us  on  to  some  far- 
off  spiritual  event,  where  the  mean- 
ing and  the  mystery  of  life  shall  be 
made  plain  and  Thy  glory  shall 
be  revealed.  Look  in  pity  upon 
our  ignorance  and  childishness. 
Forgive  us  our  small  understand- 

[72I 


a  JSoofe  of  drapers; 

ing  of  Thy  purpose  of  good  con- 
cerning us.     Be  not  angry  with  us, 
but  draw  us   from  the  things  of 
this    world   which   cannot   satisfy 
our  foolish   hearts.     Fill  us  with 
Thyself,  that  we  may  no  longer  be 
a  burden  to  ourselves.     So  glorify 
the  face  of  goodness  that  evil  shall 
have  no  more  dominion  over  us. 
The   strength   of  Thy   love,    0 
Lord,  we  would  have  all  men  share. 
Let   it   go   forth   to   all   who   feel 
themselves  neglected,  or  despised, 
or  forgotten.    Be  Thou  their  great 
Companion,  who  understands  all, 
whose    sympathy    is    wider    and 
deeper  than  all  their  need.     Look 
in  compassion  upon  the  bereaved 
and  broken-hearted.     Help  them 
to  take  up  afresh  the  duties  of  life 
with   a   deeper  devotion  to  Thee, 
that  so  they  may  pass  into  that 
world  of  experience,  where  sorrow 

[73] 

^  Poofe  of  drapers? 


alone  can  lead  the  way.  Lift  them 
above  themselves  so  that  their 
tears  may  bring  forth  fruit  in 
tender  ministry  to  those  afflicted 
with  like  suffering,  that  they  may 
comfort  others  with  the  comfort 
wherewith  they  themselves  are 
comforted  by  Thee.  For  those 
who  despair  because  of  moral 
weakness  and  failure,  we  pray. 
May  they  throw  themselves  on 
Thy  truth  and  mercy,  and  hear 
Thy  voice  of  power  and  reassur- 
ance, ''Be  still  and  know  that 
I  am  thy  God,  thy  salvation."  Let 
the  doubter  see  his  doubts  dissolve 
away  in  the  vision  of  Thyself. 
Let  the  restless  and  discontented 
pass  into  Thy  peace,  which  the 
world  cannot  give  and  cannot  take 
away.  Let  the  miserable  and  ill  at 
ease,  the  fretful  and  the  careworn, 
come    forth    from    their    cabined 

[74] 


ai  poofe  of  ^mvtvsi 


world    into    the    larger   places    of 
Thy  blessedness  and  Thy  rest. 

O  God,  Thou  hast  been  our 
fathers'  God.  They  trusted  in 
Thee,  and  were  not  ashamed.  Be 
our  God  and  our  Fortress,  even 
unto  death,  for  Thy  mercies'  sake. 


[75] 


ai  Sioofe  of  ^raj^ers; 


XVIII 

LMIGHTY  and  most  merci- 
ful Father,  hear  our  prayers; 
and,  when  Thou  hearest,  forgive 
their  weakness,  bless  their  inten- 
tion, deepen  their  feeling,  and 
make  them  sincere.  Thou  hast  a 
fire  which  can  consume  our  im- 
pure thoughts,  which  can  make  of 
our  poor  sacrifice  a  sweet  incense 
wherein  Thou  wilt  delight.  Touch 
our  lips,  we  beseech  Thee,  with  a 
live  coal  from  off  Thine  altar,  and 
say  unto  us,  '*Lo,  this  hath  touched 
thy  lips,  and  thine  iniquity  is 
taken  away  and  thy  sin  for- 
given." And  then  may  we  speak 
to  Thee  with  the  freedom  of 
children  who  would  open  their 
inmost  hearts  to  the  Father's 
kindness  and  tender  pity. 

Gracious   Father!    Thou   hast 


[76] 


a  ?8aofe  of  ^rai^ers; 


committed  unto  us  varied  tasks. 
To  some  it  is  given  to  command; 
to  others,  to  obey.  On  some 
Thou  hast  bestowed  riches;  others 
Thou  hast  set  in  poverty.  Some 
live  in  perpetual  sunshine,  sur- 
rounded by  honour,  love  and 
friends;  others  there  are  whose 
days  are  spent  in  gloom,  knowing 
but  little  of  the  joy  Thou  hast  put 
at  the  heart  of  life.  We  are  all 
alike  responsible  to  Thee.  From 
each  Thou  shalt  demand  strict 
account  of  his  stewardship.  We 
faint  when  we  think  of  this.  The 
burden  grows  upon  us  until  it 
seems  as  though  it  were  too  heavy 
to  be  borne.  O  great  Taskmaster, 
pardon  our  wasted  past,  and  for 
the  future  give  us  Thy  strength 
that  we  may  never  shrink  before 
any  duty,  however  hard,  or  play  the 
coward   in    any   conflict,  however 


[771 


^  Poofe  of  Ij^vaptx^ 


bitter  to  flesh  and  blood.  So 
much  remains  to  be  done,  and  life 
is  so  short,  and  the  years  so  fleet- 
ing. Our  time,  which  is  but  a 
moment  in  Thy  eternity.  Thou 
hast  crowded  with  mystic  experi- 
ences and  glorious  opportunities. 
Grant  that  we  may  pass  by  the 
shadows  of  earth,  and  build  upon 
the  great  realities  of  truth  and 
love  and  righteousness.  To  this 
end  send  forth  Thy  Spirit  into  our 
hearts,  to  counsel  us  in  perplexity, 
to  shield  us  in  spiritual  danger,  to 
inspire  our  wills  to  do  Thy  work. 
Leave  us  not  to  ourselves,  or  to 
the  forces  of  the  world  about  us, 
but  in  the  storm  of  passion,  or  in 
the  stress  of  doubt,  hide  us  in  Thy 
pavilion  until  our  day  of  trouble 
be  overpast.  Draw  us  nearer  to 
Thy  central  peace,  where  vain  de- 
sires and  mean  passions  and  empty 

rm 


31  Jloofe  of  ^raj>er2( 


hopes  are  hushed  to  rest  and  we 
know  that  all  is  well.  Comfort  us 
with  the  hope  of  a  happy  awaken- 
ing after  life's  fitful  dream  is  over, 
and,  when  we  awake,  may  we  be 
satisfied  with  Thy  likeness.  And 
unto  Thee  we  ascribe  all  praise 
and  glory,  now  and  ever.     Amen, 


[79] 


9  iSook  oC  drapers; 


XIX 

ll^  GOD,  most  holy  and  most 
\iy  gracious,  never  could  we 
climb  up  to  Thee  by  any  ladder 
of  our  own  making;  therefore  in 
pity  Thou  hast  sent  Thy  Son  into 
the  world  to  show  us  the  way  to 
Thee.  Thou  hast  set  the  glory  of 
Thine  omnipotence  in  Heaven  and 
earth.  And  yet  wert  Thou  only 
an  infinitude  of  might,  our  hearts 
would  faint  within  us.  But  now 
in  Jesus  Christ  Thou  hast  veiled 
Thy  power,  hast  come  forth  in  the 
strength  of  Thy  gentleness  to  live 
our  life  and  die  our  death,  that 
Thou  mightest  win  us  to  sonship 
and  eternal  life.  O  God,  we  know 
not  the  meaning  of  Gethsemane 
and  the  Cross.  If  we  seek  to  grasp 
it,  too  often  we  but  darken  counsel 
with  words  of  ignorance.    We  can 

[80] 


^  JBoofe  of  ^raj>er£J 


only  praise  Thee  for  Thy  grace, 
and  Hft  up  a  cry  of  penitence  and 
of  trust. 

Living  Father!  We  thank  Thee 
for  our  life  with  its  unspeakable 
privilege  and  dread  responsibility. 
Thou  hast  given  it  to  us  that 
through  it  may  throb  the  mighty 
tide  of  Thy  love,  that  in  it  may 
be  revealed  some  aspect  of  Thy 
being  and  beauty.  Thou  hast 
beset  us  behind  and  before.  Thou 
makest  us  to  sorrow  for  our 
sins.  Thou  dost  stir  us  with 
a  divine  discontent,  and  we  for- 
get the  things  that  are  behind 
and  reach  forth  unto  the  things 
that  are  before.  We  rejoice  that 
Thou  hast  set  our  life  amid  gra- 
cious opportunities,  whereby  Thou 
wouldst  train  us  to  truer  vision 
and  larger  understanding  of  Thee 
and  of  ourselves.     We  bless  Thee 

[81] 


a  Poofe  of  l^vaptv^ 


for  the  Church  as  the  school  of 
virtue  and  godly  living;  for  the 
sacred  Scriptures  that  bring  to  us 
the  story  of  Thy  redeeming  will; 
for  all  the  wise  and  saintly  men 
of  the  past  and  of  the  present; 
for  the  goodly  fellowship  of  the 
prophets,  and  the  noble  army  of 
the  martyrs;  for  the  great  cloud 
of  witnesses  from  whose  faith  and 
hope  we  would  take  courage  In  our 
struggles  and  trials.  We  rejoice  to 
believe  that  Thou  art  always  over- 
ruling trouble  and  temptation  and 
sin  and  disappointment,  and  out 
of  them  art  making  stepping- 
stones  to  bring  us  nearer  to  Thee. 
Forbid  that  we  should  know  Thy 
grace  In  vain.  Rather  may  Thy 
goodness  bind  us  anew  to  loyalty 
and  to  faith,  and  constrain  us  to  a 
life  separate  from  evil,  made  conse- 
crate to  goodness. 


[82] 


a  JSoofe  of  ^raj>ers{ 


We  would  not  be  selfish  in  our 
prayers.  We  cannot  come  into 
Thy  presence  without  bringing  in 
our  hearts  the  tears,  the  pain,  the 
longing  of  our  brothers.  O  God, 
our  sympathy  with  them  is  but 
the  broken  reflection  of  Thine. 
Come  Thou  to  the  burdened,  the 
wretched,  the  grief-stricken,  those 
who  have  been  made  sad  by  others, 
and  those  who  have  brought  sad- 
ness upon  themselves.  May  they 
hear,  by  faith,  the  still  voice  of 
Thy  sympathy!  May  they  feel 
the  beating  of  Thy  great  heart  of 
compassion!  May  they  take  com- 
fort in  the  assurance  that  Thou 
dost  suffer  in  and  with  them,  and 
yet  abidest  in  everlasting  blessed- 
ness! Hear  our  prayers  in  behalf 
of  all  those  who  are  struggling 
against  the  power  of  evil.  Have 
pity  upon  the  drunkard.    Restore 


[83] 


a  Poofe  of  ^rapersf 


to  him  the  power  of  self-control. 
Enable  him  to  obey  the  behests 
of  reason  and  conscience.  Lay 
Thy  healing  and  soothing  hand 
upon  the  victims  of  nervous  ten- 
sion, of  sleepless  nights,  and  fruit- 
less days.  Give  them  rest  of  soul 
that  the  body,  too,  may  be  at  rest. 
Relieve  those  who  are  in  pain. 
Grant  them  patience  and  courage, 
and  let  them  not  doubt  Thy  good- 
ness or  love.  Call  the  sinning 
and  the  suffering  into  fellowship 
with  Christ  that  they  may  find  in 
Him  the  secret  of  victory  over  the 
evil  of  the  world;  that  He  may 
rise  in  their  souls,  a  star  burning 
brightly  through  the  long  night 
unto  Thy  perfect  day.  These 
blessings  we  beg,  in  His  name,  and 
for  His  sake.     Amen. 


[84] 


^  poofe  of  ^raj>er£f 


""■ 


XX 

/^k  LORD,  we  would  rest  in 
^bP^  Thee,  for  in  Thee  alone  is 
true  rest  to  be  found.  We  would 
forget  our  disappointed  hopes,  our 
fruitless  efforts,  our  trivial  aims, 
and  lean  on  Thee,  our  Comfort 
and  our  Strength.  When  the 
order  of  this  world  bears  cruelly 
upon  us;  when  Nature  seems  to  us 
an  awful  machine,  grinding  out  life 
and  death,  without  a  reason  or  a 
purpose;  when  our  hopes  perish  in 
the  grave  where  we  lay  to  rest  our 
loved  dead:  O  what  can  we  do 
but  turn  to  Thee,  whose  law  un- 
derlieth  all,  and  whose  love,  we 
trust,  is  the  end  of  all?  Thou 
fillest  all  things  with  Thy  presence, 
and  dost  press  close  to  our  souls. 
Still  every  passion,  rebuke  every 
doubt,   strengthen   every  element 

[ssT" 


a  Poofe  of  $raper£( 


of  good  withm  us,  that  nothing 
may  hinder  the  outflow  of  Thy 
Hfe  and  power.  In  Thee,  let  the 
weak  be  full  of  might,  and  let  the 
strong  renew  their  strength.  In 
Thee,  let  the  tempted  find  suc- 
cour, the  sorrowing  consolation, 
and  the  lonely  and  the  neglected 
their  Supreme  friend,  their  faithful 
Companion. 

O  Lord,  we  are  weary  of  our  old, 
barren  selves.  Separate  us  from 
our  spiritual  past,  and  quicken 
within  us  the  seeds  of  a  new  future. 
Transform  us  by  the  breath  of 
Thy  regenerating  power,  that  life 
may  seem  supremely  beautiful 
and  duty  our  highest  privilege, 
and  the  only  real  evil  a  guilty 
conscience.  Let  us  be  no  longer 
sad,  or  downcast,  or  miserable,  or 
despairing,  vexed  by  remorse,  or 
depressed  by  our  failures.     Take 

[861 


a  Poofe  of  ^raj^etj; 

• 

from  us  the  old  self.     Give  us  a 
new  self,  beautiful,  vigorous  and 
joyous.     Let  old  things  pass  away 
and    let    all    things    become    new. 
•    Kindle     within     us     a     flame    of 
heavenly  devotion,  so  that  to  us 
work    for    Thee    shall    become    a 
happiness,  and  rest  in  Thee  shall 
become  an  energy,  unchecked  by 
fears    within    and    foes    without. 
Give  us   love,  and  then  we  shall 
have  more  than  all  we  need,  for 
Thou  art  Love,  Thyself  the  Giver 
and  the  Gift. 

Bless  us  in  all  our  relations  with 
our  fellows.     Grant  that  we  may 
never  add  to  the  sin  and  sadness 
of   the   world,    never   add   to   the 
burdens  that  lie  heavy  on  other 
souls,    never   offend   one   of   Thy 
little    ones,  whose   angels    always 
behold  Thy  face.     Save  us  from 
all  pride  and  envy  and  jealousy, 

[871 

a  Poob  of  ^raj>er£f 


from  a  bitter  and  uncharitable  tem- 
per, from  inconsiderate  and  selfish 
deeds.  Enable  us  to  give  a  smile 
instead  of  a  frown;  a  cheerful, 
kindly  word,  instead  of  harshness 
and  coldness.  Let  our  dealings 
with  all  men,  good  and  bad  alike, 
be  simple  and  according  to  the 
way  of  Christ.  May  we  love  the 
sinner,  even  while  we  condemn 
his  sin.  Forgive  us  that  we  have 
so  often  rejoiced  at  the  misfortune 
of  the  transgressor,  and  grant  that 
we  may  henceforth  greatly  pity 
him  and  gently  turn  his  thoughts 
to  goodness  and  to  Thee.  O  God, 
these  tasks  seem  hard  to  us,  but 
with  Thee  all  things  are  possible. 
Supply  to  us  the  strength  that  we 
need,  according  to  the  riches  of 
Thy  Grace  in  glory  by  Christ 
Jesus.     Amen, 


[881 


a  Jloofe  of  ^raj>erjS 


XXI 

;LESSED  art  Thou,  O  God, 
who  hast  created  and  dost 
sustain  us,  out  of  whose  fulness 
come  blessing  and  goodness  and 
happiness.  Dwell  in  us  as  a 
power  of  love  and  of  soundness. 
Heal  the  disorders  of  body  and 
soul.  Pluck  from  the  memory  the 
rooted  sorrow  and  cleanse  the 
overcharged  heart  from  its  misery 
and  pain.  Bring  Thy  peace  to 
the  troubled  conscience.  Quench 
the  fires  of  evil  within  us  and  light 
a  flame  of  holy  love  that  may 
warm  and  purify  our  lives. 

O  God,  our  Father,  as  we  look 
back  upon  our  past  lives,  we 
realise  that  Thy  hand  hast  guided 
us.  Even  in  the  desert  places  of 
our  experience.  Thou  hast  caused 
to  break  forth  springs  that  have 

[89J 


<a  JB00&  of  l^mvtxii 


made  life  glad.  Thou  hast  be- 
stowed upon  us  the  riches  of 
human  love  and  tenderness,  that 
our  hearts  might  rise  to  Thee. 
Sorrow  and  troubles  have  come 
to  us,  but  Thou  hast  turned 
them  to  our  spiritual  good,  for 
through  them  the  Heavens  have 
been  opened  unto  us  and  in  the 
visions  of  the  night  we  have 
seen  Thy  angels  ascending  and 
descending  on  a  ladder  of  glory. 
Death  has  made  our  hearts  deso- 
late, but  Thou  hast  wiped  away 
our  tears  and  hast  begotten  us 
again  unto  a  living  hope  by  the 
resurrection  of  Jesus  Christ  from 
the  dead.  Never  again,  O  Lord, 
will  we  mistrust  Thee,  never  again 
will  we  doubt  Thy  power  or  will- 
ingness to  bless.  Here  and  now 
we  renounce  our  own  vain  guid- 
ance   and    take    refuge    in    Thy 

[90l 


g  Poofe  of  drapers? 


providential  care.  Whatever  the 
future  may  have  in  store  for  us, 
whether  our  days  be  few  or  many, 
full  of  joy  or  of  sorrow,  of  pleasure 
or  of  pain,  we  would  hold  fast  by 
Thee,  whom  we  see  not,  as  though 
we  saw  Thee.  "Whom  have  we 
in  Heaven  but  Thee;  and  there 
is  none  upon  the  earth  that  we 
desire  beside  Thee.  Our  flesh  and 
our  hearts  faint,  but  Thou  art 
the  Strength  of  our  heart  and  our 
portion  for  ever."  Henceforth  we 
would  have  nothing,  receive  noth- 
ing, and  be  nothing  but  what  Thou 
choosest.  In  the  turmoil  of  the 
world,  in  the  failure  of  lower 
hopes,  we  would  remember  that 
our  deepest  life  is  hid  with  Christ 
in  Thee.  O  Christ,  Thou  Son  of 
God  and  Son  of  Man,  enter  anew 
into  our  hearts.  Move  us  to 
fresh  ambition.     Assure  us  of  the 


[91] 


a  Jlook  of  ^raperg 


Father's  love,  and  lead  us  into 
the  wonder  and  the  joy  of  His 
forgiving  grace,  and  make  us  one 
with  Him  in  every  thought  and 
purpose  and  desire.  Dwell  in  us 
evermore.  Thou  Peace  of  God, 
earnest  of  the  peace  of  eternity! 
We  ask  it  in  Thy  name.    Amen, 


1921' 


a  poofe  of  draper? 


XXII 

^LMIGHTY  and  ever-living 
<vl'  God,  we  draw  near  unto 
Thee,  believing  that  Thou  art,  and 
that  Thou  wilt  reward  all  those 
who  diligently  seek  Thee.  We 
are  weak,  mortal  men,  immersed  in 
this  world's  affairs,  buffeted  by 
its  sorrows,  flung  to  and  fro  by 
its  conflicts  of  right  and  wrong. 
We  cry  for  some  abiding  stay, 
for  some  sure  and  steadfast  an- 
chorage. Reveal  Thyself  to  us  as 
the  eternal  God,  as  the  unfathom- 
able Love  that  encompasses  every 
spirit  Thou  hast  made,  and  bears 
it  on,  through  the  light  and  the 
darkness  alike,  to  the  goal  of 
Thine  own  perfection.  And  yet, 
when  Thou  speakest  to  us,  we 
are  covered  with  confusion,  for 
now  we  remember  all  the  sadness 

[93] 


a  JBoofe  of  drapers; 


and  evil  and  disorder  of  our  lives. 
Thou  hast  visited  our  hearts  with 
ideals  fair  and  beautiful,  but  alas! 
we  have  grown  weary  in  aspiration, 
and  have  declined  into  the  sordid 
aims  of  our  baser  selves.  Thou 
hast  given  us  the  love  of  parent 
and  of  friend,  that  we  might 
thereby  learn  something  of  Thine 
own  love;  yet  too  often  have  we 
despised  Thy  gift  and  shut  our 
hearts  to  all  the  wonder  and  the 
glory.  We  make  confession  before 
Thee  of  our  sin  and  folly  and 
Ignorance.  Again  and  again  we 
have  vowed  ourselves  to  Thy  ser- 
vice; again  and  again  our  languid 
wills  have  failed  to  do  Thy  Will. 
We  have  been  seduced  by  the 
sweet  poison  of  sin,  and  even 
against  light  and  knowledge  we 
have  done  that  which  Thou  dost 
abhor,    and   which   in   our  secret 

[94] 


a  IBook  of  S^vavttii 


hearts  we  loathe.  And  now  we 
almost  fear  to  repent,  lest  Thou 
shouldst  call  us  into  judgment 
for  a  repentance  that  must  needs  be 
repented  of.  O  mighty  Saviour 
of  men!  be  patient  with  us  a  little 
longer.  Take  us  back  to  Thyself. 
Without  Thee,  we  are  undone; 
with  Thee,  we  will  take  fresh  heart 
of  hope,  and  bind  ourselves  with 
a  more  effectual  vow,  and  laying 
aside  every  weight  and  the  sin 
which  doth  so  easily  beset  us,  we 
will  follow  Thee  whithersoever 
Thou  leadest. 

Gracious  Father,  Thou  hast  in- 
vited us,  unworthy  as  we  are,  to 
pray  for  all  sorts  and  conditions  of 
men.  We  pray  for  all  those  who 
say,  "Why  hast  Thou  forgotten 
me?"  and  who  feel  that  they 
are  neglected  or  despised  by  their 
fellows.      Comfort    them    with    a 

[95] 


S  Jloofe  of  S^vaptvii 


sense  of  Thy  presence  and  Thy 
favour.  We  pray  for  all  who  are 
in  bondage  to  fear,  unable  to  face 
the  tasks  of  life  or  bear  the  thought 
of  death  with  peace  and  dignity. 
Free  them  from  the  tyranny  of 
these  dark  dreads.  Let  the  inspi- 
ration of  a  great  faith  or  hope 
seize  their  souls,  and  lift  them 
above  their  fruitless  *  worry  and 
idle  torments,  into  a  region  of  joy 
and  peace  and  blessedness.  We 
pray  for  the  victims  of  evil  habits, 
the  slaves  of  alcohol  or  mor- 
phine, or  any  other  pretended  re- 
deemer of  the  soul  from  weariness 
and  pain.  Great  is  the  power  of 
these  degrading  temptations;  but 
greater  still  is  the  saving  energy 
of  Thy  Spirit.  So  let  Thy  Spirit 
enter  the  hearts  of  these  unhappy 
children  of  Thine,  that  their  will 
may  be  made  strong  to  resist,  and 

[961 


Si  ?@oofe  of  drapers; 


that  the  burning  heat  of  high 
thoughts  may  consume  the  grosser 
desires  of  the  flesh.  We  pray 
for  souls  bound  beneath  self-im- 
posed burdens,  vexed  by  miseries 
of  their  own  making;  for  the 
children  of  melancholy,  who  have 
lost  their  way  and  grope  without 
a  light;  for  those  who  do  their 
work  with  no  enthusiasm,  and, 
when  night  falls,  can  find  no  sleep 
though  they  search  for  it  as  for 
hidden  treasure.  Let  Thy  light 
pierce  through  their  gloom  and 
shine  upon  their  path.  Say  Thou 
the  healing  and  the  reconciling 
word,  and  then  we  know  that  self- 
possession  will  be  theirs,  and  all 
the  blessings  of  a  mind  at  one  with 
Thee  and  with  itself.  Help  us  all, 
we  beseech  Thee,  to  attempt  once 
more  to  lead  the  perfect  life. 
Unite   us    to   Jesus    Christ,    Thy 

[97] 


^  5Soofe  of  |^raj>er£f 


perfect  Son,  in  the  bonds  of  a 
living  trust,  so  that  sustained  by 
His  example,  and  sanctified  by 
His  Spirit,  we  may  grow  more 
and  more  into  the  image  of  His 
likeness.  These,  and  all  other 
blessings,  we  ask  in  His  name  and 
for  His  sake.     Amen. 


[98J 


ai  poofe  of  ^rapersi 


XXIII 

^LMIGHTY  God,  our  Heavenly 
^Cl-  Father,  as  we  enter  Thy  pres- 
ence, we  are  ashamed  of  our  poor, 
sinful  lives.  We  have  been  drawn 
away  by  evil  from  the  holy  path 
of  Thy  commandments.  Doubt 
has  dimmed  our  vision  of  Thy 
supreme  realities.  Pride  has  shut 
the  doors  of  our  souls  against  the 
entrance  of  Thy  spirit.  The  clouds 
of  faithless  sorrow  have  hidden 
Thy  face  from  us.  The  bitter- 
ness of  disappointed  hopes  has 
shut  us  out  from  the  healing  sun- 
shine of  Thy  presence.  Outside 
the  closed  portals  of  our  hearts 
Thou  hast  stood,  in  Jesus  Christ, 
knocking,  ah!  how  long,  how 
patiently;  but  within,  it  may  be, 
and  forgetful  of  Thee,  we  have 
worshipped  other  gods,  or  served 


[99] 


ia  JJoofe  of  drapers; 


our  own  imaginings,  or  loved  too 
well  our  own  ambitions.  O  Thou, 
with  whom  is  plenteous  forgive- 
ness, waken  us  from  our  vain 
dreams  and  reveal  to  us  the  hidden 
treasures  of  life  and  blessedness. 
Henceforth  may  we  not  waste 
Thy  precious  gift  of  time,  but  use 
it  well,  that  we  may  lay  hold  on 
eternal  life,  and  work  and  watch 
and  wait,  as  under  Thine  eyes,  and 
in  Thy  strength.  For  the  time  that 
remains,  help  us  to  live  as  those 
who  have  been  called  to  be  Thy 
sons.  Grant  us  the  filial  spirit  of 
unfailing  trust  and  glad  obedience, 
so  that  the  daily  task,  whether  in 
the  school  of  childhood,  or  in  the 
wider  discipline  of  riper  years, 
may  become  a  sacrament,  a  token 
of  Thy  grace.  Lead  us  into  the 
knowledge  of  Thyself,  that  we 
may  be   at  peace.     0   Spirit  of 


!a  ^Dofe  of  l^xa^tvsi 


holiness  and  grace!  stay  with  us, 
to  breathe  into  our  souls  new  love 
after  the  shame  of  guilt,  and  new 
resolves  after  every  failure.  Hush 
every  passion;  heal  every  sorrow; 
help  every  infirmity,  and  quicken 
within  us  new  faith  and  hope  and 
trust.  Save  us  from  sin,  save  us 
from  the  darkness  that  is  in  us; 
from  our  evil  ways,  our  meanness, 
our  injustice,  our  foolishness,  our 
pride;  and  work  Thy  commanded 
good  through  our  frail  wills. 

We  bear  in  our  hearts  all  the 
sorrowing  and  unhappy  among 
Thy  children.  Be  gracious  to 
those  who  are  made  sad  by  sins 
of  others,  who  are  vexed  by  the 
cruelty  of  those  whom  they  love, 
yet  cannot  save.  Let  them  know 
that  Thou  art  strong  to  save,  and 
give  them  a  trust  in  Thee  that 
will    make    their    burdens    light. 

iloiT 


a  JBoofe  of  drapers; 


Remember  In  pity  the  anxious 
and  care-laden,  the  victims  of 
irritable  weakness,  of  morbid  fears, 
and  unchastened  impulses.  Give 
peace  to  such  distracted  souls. 
Restore  to  unity  and  harmony  the 
inner  life,  that  mind  and  body  may 
be  attuned  to  Thy  perfect  laws. 
We  pray  for  the  bond-slaves  of 
degrading  habits;  for  the  drunk- 
ard, that  he  may  see  the  evil  which 
his  sin  works  in  himself,  and  the 
pain  it  brings  on  others,  and  that 
this  vision  may  make  strong  the 
will  to  resist.  May  the  power  of 
a  new  affection  conquer  the  demons 
of  base  indulgence  and  set  Thy 
children  free.  We  pray  Thee, 
O  God,  to  have  mercy  upon  any 
who  have  fallen  by  the  roadside, 
sore  bruised  by  the  evil  of  the 
world.  May  we  never  pass  by 
such,  but  be  moved  to  compassion 

~  T102I 


il  ?Baofe  of  l^xaptx^ 


and  be  to  them  as  the  Good 
Samaritan,  after  the  example  of 
Jesus  Christ.  Some  there  are  who 
cannot  pray  to  Thee,  who  only  cry 
out  against  Thee  as  against  some 
dreadful  fate.  Thou  knowest  the 
riddle  of  their  lives.  Thou  canst 
interpret  their  experience.  Speak 
Thou  to  them  the  word  that 
illumines,  and  let  Thy  glory  break 
through  the  darkness. 

Hear  our  prayers,  O  Lord,  and 
what  in  our  ignorance  we  fail  to 
ask,  fail  not  Thou  to  give;  and 
unto  Thy  name  we  give  the  glory, 
now  and  ever.     Amen, 


[103] 


3  Pook  of  l^va^tvsi 


XXIV 

(^IAj  Thy  works  praise  Thee,  O 
<*^  Lord,  and  Thy  saints  give 
thanks  unto  Thee.  On  mountain 
and  field  and  flower  and  sky  Thou 
hast  set  Thy  glory.  The  hearts  of 
men  and  women  and  little  children 
Thou  hast  filled  with  happiness. 
"The  whole  round  world  is  bound 
with  golden  chains  about  Thy 
feet."  O  give  us  spirits  attuned 
to  the  harmonies  of  Thy  universe, 
that  this  day  we  may  join  in  the 
swelling  chorus  of  praise  that  ever 
magnifies  Thy  name.  Lift  us  up 
into  Thy  joy,  before  which  sorrow 
hides  her  face  and  pain  and  fear 
fly  away. 

We  bless  Thee  for  Thy  self- 
revelation  in  Jesus  Christ,  our 
blessed  Lord  and  Master.  We 
have   stood   in  His   presence   and 

[1041 


^  Poofe  of  ^taytxsi 


have  heard  Him  say,  "He  that 
hath  seen  me  hath  seen  the 
Father."  In  Him  Thou  hast  come 
among  us,  cleansing  our  soiled 
hearts,  healing  the  wounds  of 
body  and  of  mind,  giving  rest  to 
the  troubled  conscience,  and  open- 
ing the  blind  eyes  to  the  beauty 
and  brightness  of  the  world.  As 
we  listen  to  His  voice,  grief  be- 
comes a  scorn  of  ills  and  the 
weaknesses  of  life  become  our 
glory.  As  we  look  into  His  face 
we  seek  nothing  but  that  we  may 
love  Him  with  all  our  hearts  and 
serve  Him  with  all  our  might.  O 
Christ,  Thou  Son  of  God,  let  the 
Spirit  which  bore  Thee  to  the 
Cross  abide  in  us!  Touch  us  with 
the  glory  of  Thy  Sonship,  with  the 
power  of  Thy  surrendered  life,  that 
we,  no  longer  the  servants  of  the 
world,  may  become  the  sons  of  God ! 

[  [105] 


9  Pook  o!  $raper£( 


Bless  us,  our  Father,  in  all  our 
work  and  in  all  the  relations  of 
life.  Sanctify  the  life  of  the  home. 
May  its  memories  abide  with  us 
to  strengthen  us  in  the  hour  of 
temptation,  to  comfort  us  in  the 
hour  of  sorrow.  May  children 
love  and  honour  their  parents, 
and  may  parents  be  tender  and 
considerate  with  their  children, 
knowing  how  delicate  is  the  child- 
soul,  and  how  easily  harshness 
casts  it  down.  Pour  out  a  spirit 
of  kindness  and  goodness  in  the 
home,  that  all  the  members  of  it 
may  be  bound  each  to  each  in 
bands  of  mutual  love  and  service 
that  may  not  be  broken.  Bless 
us  in  the  larger  world  where  we 
toil  and  suffer.  We  thank  Thee 
for  work  and  the  opportunity  to 
work.  Grant  that  our  labour 
may  be  congenial  to  us;    that  we 


gl  Jlooli  a!  drapers? 


may  do  it  with  ease  and  a  sense 
of  mastery.  Let  us  not  be 
enslaved  to  our  tasks,  but 
may  we  feel  ourselves  greater 
than  they,  and  ready  for  still 
nobler  efforts.  Save  us  from  sullen 
discontent,  from  fruitless  war  with 
the  circumstances  of  our  lot.  Make 
our  hearts  obedient,  that  by  the 
untoward  things  of  experience  we 
may  win  a  larger  and  a  freer  life. 
Give  us  the  spiritual  vision  and 
a  desire  to  pass  beyond  ourselves, 
to  think  of  the  needs  of  others, 
to  make  the  world  a  little  better 
than  we  found  it.  Put  within  us 
Christ's  yearning  for  the  redemp- 
tion of  the  world.  Kindle  within 
us  His  passion  for  the  souls  of  men. 
Uphold  us  with  the  faith  that 
Thou  hast  called  us  into  fellow- 
ship with  Him,  as  Thy  co-workers 
in  the  achievement  of  Thy  purpose 
__  . 


^  J?ook  of  ^raj>erj5 


of  good.  In  this  faith  let  us  cheer 
the  mourner,  raise  up  the  fallen, 
relieve  the  needy,  forgive  the 
wrongdoer,  and  praise  the  lover 
of  simplicity  and  goodness.  While 
we  give  to  others,  give  Thou 
to  us,  that  we  may  grow  more  and 
more  in  the  spirit  of  helpfulness 
and  generosity,  both  in  word  and 
deed;  And  unto  Thy  name  we  will 
ascribe  praise  and  honour  and 
glory,  world  without  end.     Amen, 


[1081 


^  l^ook  ot  drapers; 


m. 


XXV 

E  come  to  Thee,  O  God, 
with  words  of  thanks- 
giving on  our  Hps.  We  thank 
Thee  for  Thy  gifts.  They  are 
as  varied  as  our  needs,  as  mani- 
fold as  our  desires.  Our  hearts 
cry  for  love,  and  Thou  hast  given 
us  the  love  of  parent  and  of  friend, 
that  have  been  as  Thy  benediction 
on  our  lives.  Our  minds  crave 
light  and  knowledge,  and  Thy 
Spirit  has  kindled  a  lamp  within 
us.  We  long  for  the  vision  of 
beauty,  and  Thou  hast  revealed 
Thyself  gloriously  in  the  open 
page  of  Nature.  May  we  take 
these  gifts,  not  for  their  own  sake 
only,  but  as  steps  with  which  to 
mount  upward  to  Thee,  who  art 
the  perfection  of  love  and  truth 
and  beauty.     Bathe   us    in    Thy 

[109] 


a  Jloofe  of  drapers! 


re-creating  life,  that  we  may  cast  off 
all  meanness,  all  despair,  all  sin 
and  shame,  and  enter  into  the 
secret  of  Thy  eternal  gladness. 
Help  us  to  turn  our  earthly 
blessings  to  ends  divine. 

We  cannot  fathom  the  mystery 
of  Thy  being,  but  we  rejoice  that 
Thou  knowest  us  and  the  tempta- 
tions that  try  us,  and  the  sorrows 
that  beat  upon  us  and  cast  us 
down,  and  the  pains  of  body  and 
of  mind  that  cloud  our  spirits  and 
make  sad  our  world.  Leave  us 
not  as  those  who  are  fatherless 
and  outcast,  but  bring  to  us  Thy 
dawn,  and  shed  light  upon  our 
path.  When  we  are  wounded 
with  mental  and  physical  dis- 
tresses, be  at  hand  to  heal  and 
save.  When  the  cares  and  troubles 
of  this  life  threaten  to  kill  the 
soul,  let  Thy  Spirit  sustain  us  and 

[1101 


a  JBoofe  of  J^vaptxsi 


create  for  us  an  inner  world  of 
hope  and  faith  and  love,  where 
we  may  take  refuge  and  hear  Thy 
voice  speaking  to  us  to  warn,  to 
comfort  and  to  guide.  Save  us,  O 
Lord,  from  the  weakness  of  self- 
pity.  In  misery  and  suffering  let 
us  turn  to  Thy  pity,  which  alone 
can  strengthen,  cleanse,  and  uplift. 
Let  not  failure  or  sorrow  embitter 
us,  or  shut  us  off  from  those  about 
us,  but  may  we  find  a  cure  for 
our  own  griefs  by  pouring  the 
oil  of  consolation  and  the  wine  of 
gladness  into  other  lives.  Grant 
us  brave  hearts  and  true.  Inspire 
us  with  firmness  to  carry  out  every 
holy  purpose.  Forbid  that  we 
should  waste  the  time  that  is  left 
in  vain  regrets  for  the  past,  or 
vague  dreams  of  the  future,  but 
let  us  be  up  and  doing,  knowing 
that  though  we  may  fall,  thou  wilt 

'  [111] 


S  Poofe  of  ^taj>ers( 


not  cast  us  away.  May  we  gather 
up  the  fragments  of  time  and 
opportunity  which  remain  that 
nothing  be  lost.  Grant  that  we 
may  see  Thee,  not  only  in  the 
thunder  and  tempest  and  earth- 
quake, not  only  in  the  great  mo- 
ments of  spiritual  exaltation,  but 
also  in  the  commonplace  duties, 
in  the  familiar  relationships  of 
life.  May  our  home-life  be  glori- 
fied with  the  spirit  of  love  and 
mutual  helpfulness.  Remove  from 
our  midst  all  wrath  and  clamour 
and  evil-speaking,  and  bitterness 
and  estrangement,  and  make  us 
gentle  and  easily  entreated,  the 
children  of  a  forgiving  God.  May 
we  know,  with  a  spiritual  knowl- 
edge, that  Thou  art  Love,  and  that 
dwelling  in  Love  we  dwell  in 
Thee,  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.     Amen. 

U12I 


ai  Poofe  of  drapers; 


XXVI 

^  LIVING  God,  we  thank 
\if^  Thee  that  Thou  hast  not 
left  us  to  ourselves.  Thou  hast 
been  our  Teacher.  All  through 
the  past  we  can  trace  Thy  self- 
unveiling.  Through  law  and 
sacrifice  and  prophecy  Thou  hast 
sought  to  keep  alive  within  the 
minds  of  men  the  knowledge  of 
Thyself.  And  in  the  fulness  of 
time  Thou  didst  send  Thy  Son, 
that  in  Him  Thou  mightest  de- 
clare Thine  inmost  heart,  Thy 
love,  which  triumphs  over  sin  and 
pain  and  death.  By  the  glory 
of  Thy  manifested  life,  let  us  re- 
joice in  the  sense  of  sins  forgiven, 
in  the  assurance  that  one  day  the 
tangled  skein  of  our  lives  shall 
be  unravelled  and  their  mystery 
made   plain.      In    times    past   we 

[m] 


^  Poo&  of  ^rapersl 


have  not  been  willing  to  take  all 
Thy  love,  nor  enter  into  all  Thy 
joy.  We  have  often  wandered 
from  Thee  into  wastes  wherein 
is  no  refreshment  for  our  thirst, 
no  rest  for  our  weariness.  But 
now  we  would  be  led  by  the  green 
pastures  and  the  still  waters.  Now 
we  would  lay  aside  our  self-will, 
and  freely  surrender  ourselves  to 
the  guiding  of  Thy  hand.  Allay 
our  fears;  quicken  our  better 
hopes;  and  so  work  in  us  that  we 
may  will  what  Thou  wiliest,  and 
because  Thou  wiliest  it. 

We  cannot  come  into  Thy  pres- 
ence without  bringing  with  us 
all  our  brothers.  Are  we  not  all 
Thy  children,  and  hast  Thou  not 
a  purpose  of  good  for  us  all.^  Give 
us  a  large  and  a  nobler  outlook. 
Give  us  more  interest  in  each 
other,  more  zeal  for  each  other's 

~  [114] 


la  Poofe  of  ^xaptx^ 


happiness,  more  willingness  to 
share  each  other's  pain.  Take 
from  us  all  miserable  aims  that 
end  in  self.  May  we,  in  the  power 
of  Christ's  spirit,  help  the  weak 
and  neglected;  comfort  the  af- 
flicted and  sorrow-laden;  and 
bring  a  sense  of  fellowship  to 
those  who  are  friendless  and  lonely. 
We  pray  for  the  advancement  of 
Christ's  cause  and  Kingdom.  We 
believe  that  it  is  the  cause  of 
goodness  and  truth,  of  all  that 
makes  life  worth  living.  Awake, 
O  Most  Mighty,  and  scatter  the 
banded  powers  of  evil  that  delay 
the  coming  of  Thy  Kingdom,  the 
victory  of  the  Crucified.  May 
all  the  ills  that  work  ruin  in 
our  social  and  civic  life  be  ban- 
ished from  our  midst.  Cleanse 
our  hearts  and  lips,  that  we  may 
be   made   meet  for  Thy   service, 

[115] 


^  iPoofe  of  drapers; 


mighty  to  the  pulling  down  of 
strongholds,  and  to  the  building 
up  of  the  City  of  God,  wherein 
dwelleth  righteousness.  And  this 
we  ask,  for  Thy  Name's  sake. 
Amen. 


[116] 


ai  5?oofe  of  ^raperjBf 


XXVII 

€TERNAL  God,  whom  the 
Heaven  of  Heavens  cannot 
contain,  yet  who  makest  Thine 
abode  in  humble  and  contrite 
hearts,  here  would  we  meet  with 
Thee,  and  feel  for  a  moment  in 
our  souls  the  greatness  of  Thy 
Power.  Here  would  we  know  the 
dignity  of  life  and  learn  Thy  per- 
fect law  of  liberty.  Here  would 
we  rise  to  the  height  of  Thy  up- 
ward calling,  and  deem  ourselves 
Thy  sons  and  the  heirs  of  immor- 
tality. We  repent  that  we  have 
despised  our  souls.  When  evil 
has  made  of  us  its  prey,  we  have 
said,  *'These  sins  are  not  ours. 
They  are  a  heritage  of  the  past. 
Our  fathers  have  sowed  the  wind; 
we  reap  the  whirlwind."  Thus 
have  we   sought   to   silence   Thy 

Urn 


S(  Poofe  at  $raj>ers( 


voice  of  rebuke.  Reveal  to  us 
now  the  mystery  of  our  greatness. 
Meet  with  each  one  of  us  alone. 
Fill  each  one  of  us  with  a  sense  of 
moral  freedom,  of  personal  worth, 
of  our  kinship  with  Thee.  May 
we,  in  the  strength  of  Thy  visita- 
tion, rise  up  and  shake  off  the 
bonds  that  bind  us,  and  live  hence- 
forth as  those  whom  Thou  hast 
made  a  little  lower  than  the 
angels,  and  crowned  with  glory 
and  honour. 

Gracious  Father!  We  confess 
the  painful  riddle  of  our  being, 
that,  while  claiming  kinship  with 
Thee,  we  feel  far  from  Thee. 
O,  what  means  this  strange  be- 
wilderment, this  never-ending  war 
between  our  worse  and  better 
thoughts  ?  We  are  Thine  by  right, 
yet  we  have  not  given  ourselves 
wholly  to  Thy  care.     Our  hearts 

[m]~ 


ai  poofe  of  ^raj>erfi( 

know  no  rest,  save  in  Thee,  yet 
they     have     sought     it     in    this 
world's  vainglory,  which    passeth 
away.     We    seek    to   quench   our 
thirst    at    the     cisterns    of     this 
earth,   but   they   are   broken   cis- 
terns,  that    can   hold    no    water. 
Lead  us  to  Thy  well  of  life  that 
springeth  up   eternally.     Give  us 
to  drink  of  that  spiritual  water,  of 
which,  if  any  man  drink,  he  shall 
never    thirst    again.     We    lament 
our    want    and     poverty    before 
Thee.     Open   Thou   our   eyes    to 
behold  the  unsearchable  riches  of 
Thy  grace,  and  increase  our  faith 
that  we   may   make   them    ours. 
Unite  us  to  Thee  in  the  bonds  of 
will  and  love  and  purpose.     Out 
of  Thy  fulness,  which  is  in  Christ, 
give  to  each  one  of  us  according  to 
his  need.     Make  us  wise  with  His 
wisdom;    pure    with   His    purity; 

• 

[119] 

a  ?@ODfe  of  drapers? 


strong  with  His  strength;  that 
we  may  rise  into  the  power  and 
glory  of  the  Hfe  that  is  Hfe  indeed. 
Hear  our  hearts'  weak  and  wander- 
ing cries,  and  when  Thou  hearest, 
forgive  and  bless,  for  His  sake. 
Amen, 


[120] 


^  Poofe  of  ^raj>ers( 


XXVIII 

^LMIGHTY  and  everlasting 
r^  God,  we  adore  Thee  as  the 
God  of  light  and  power.  Shine 
through  the  clouds  that  dim  our 
vision.  Strengthen  our  weak  hearts, 
that  we  may  love  Thee  and  serve 
Thee  in  freedom  and  gladness. 
This  world,  which  Thou  hast  com- 
mitted to  us,  is  radiant  with  Thy 
presence.  Go  where  we  will,  we 
cannot  flee  from  Thy  Spirit,  that 
speaks  to  us  in  the  calm  and 
order  and  beauty  of  Nature.  For 
in  our  souls  Thou  dwellest,  and 
openest  our  eyes  to  read  Thy 
thought  in  sun  and  star,  in  field 
and  flower.  We  bless  Thee  that 
Nature  does  not  exhaust  the  ful- 
ness of  Thy  being.  We  rejoice 
that,  in  the  fight  with  temptation, 
we  are  not  alone,  for  Thou  art 
-  _j 


jaL|Bo0fc  jrf  $taj>etflL 


our  secret  Helper.  We  praise 
Thee  that  in  all  our  affliction  Thou 
art  afflicted,  that  in  every  sorrow 
or  disappointment  or  failure  Thou 
dost  not  give  us  over  to  our  weak 
repining,  but  dost  summon  us  to 
self-knowledge  and  to  peace.  O 
God,  our  life  kindles  beneath  Thy 
touch.  We  know  that  Thou  art 
ours  when  the  conscience  awakens 
us  to  long-neglected  duties  and 
the  sad  disorder  of  our  souls; 
when  repentance  lays  us  in  the 
dust  and  aspiration  bears  us,  as 
with  wings,  above  sin,  despair  and 
death.  And  such  value  hast  Thou 
set  upon  us,  that  to  make  us  Thine, 
Thou  hast  given  us  the  Christ, 
the  Anointed  One.  In  Him 
we  understand  Thy  purpose  con- 
cerning us.  In  Him  Thou  hast 
bestowed  upon  us  all  we  had 
not    dared    to    hope    for.     He 

[122] 


jg  Poofe  of  jgraperg 


has  been  made  unto  us  wisdom 
and  righteousness  and  sanctifi- 
cation  and  redemption.  He  is 
the  fulfilment  of  our  past,  the 
prophecy  of  better  things  to  come. 
He  is  the  rock  beneath  our  feet, 
the  hope  within  our  souls.  O  that 
He  would  enter  into  our  hearts 
afresh!  That  He  might  become 
the  life  of  all  our  thoughts  and  the 
inspiration  of  all  our  service! 

Bless  us  now,  O  Lord,  as  we 
are  gathered  in  Thy  presence. 
Give  us  thankful  hearts  for  Thy 
unwearied  mercies;  for  a  father's 
and  a  mother's  love;  for  the 
friendships  which  gladden  our 
days;  for  means  of  growth  in 
knowledge  and  virtue;  for  work, 
and  for  the  strength  with  which 
to  do  it.  Take  from  us  all 
foolish  fears,  all  sinful  discontent. 
Fill  our  hearts  with  the  sunshine 

[123] 


a  poofe  of  drapers; 


of  Thy  love,  so  that  we  may 
give  freely  to  all  men  of  what 
we  have  and  of  what  we  are. 
These  prayers  we  offer  in  Christ's 
name.     Amen, 


[124] 


^  Poo6  of  l^vaptt^ 


XXIX 

^  LORD,  let  Thy  glory  dwell 
\L^  among  us,  as  here  we  would 
commune  with  Thee.  Let  us  hear 
Thy  voice  of  love,  and  let  our 
hearts  be  filled  with  joy  and  peace. 
Help  us  to  forget  the  noises  of  the 
outer  world,  and  to  enter  into 
Thy  silence,  where  is  healing  for 
every  wound,  help  for  every  weak- 
ness, consolation  for  every  sorrow. 
We  pray  for  the  strong,  that 
they  may  abide  in  Thee,  and  in 
Thee  find  renewal  of  their  strength; 
for  the  weak  and  the  tempted, 
that  Thine  arm  may  work  out 
for  them  a  great  salvation;  for 
the  disconsolate,  that  in  Thee  their 
griefs  may  receive  a  noble  conse- 
cration; for  the  bereaved,  that 
they  may  have  a  vision  of  the 
world  beyond,  where  there  is  no 

•  [125] 


grpoofe  of  l^xavtx^ 


more  death,  nor  crying,  nor  mourn- 
ing, nor  pain.  Bless  the  poor,  the 
homeless,  the  neglected,  and  the 
ignorant.  Inspire  our  hearts  with 
Thy  love,  that  we  may  be  friends 
and  companions  to  all  Thy  chil- 
dren who  need  us.  Have  pity  on 
all  who  foolishly  trust  in  the  false 
promises  of  sin,  and  awaken  them 
from  their  deluding  dreams  to 
timely  repentance.  Succour  all 
who  are  fighting  against  the  do- 
minion of  evil  habits.  If  they 
fall,  help  them  to  rise  again;  and 
put  within  them  a  faith  and  hope 
that  cannot  be  quenched.  In- 
spire all  harassed  and  struggling 
souls  with  the  assurance  that  all 
the  forces  of  Thy  will  are  working 
for  them,  and  are  moving  them 
on  to  peace  and  health  and  holi- 
ness. Visit  in  Thy  compassion 
those  who  suffer  pain,   and  who 

1^26] 


gt  Puub  Tft3^id}>u^ 


watch  with  eager  longing  through 
the  hours  of  darkness  for  the  morn- 
ing light.  Thou  hast  strangely- 
fashioned  this  body  of  ours. 
Along  its  nerves  shoots  a  thrill 
of  agony,  and  in  a  moment  the 
world  is  overcast  and  there  is  no 
joy  in  the  feast,  nor  comfort  any- 
where. Assuage  the  pain,  we  be- 
seech Thee,  or  give  the  strength 
needed  to  bear  it. 

Gracious  Father!  Be  near  us, 
who  must  pass  along  the  dim 
and  perilous  pathway  of  the  years, 
and  support  us  with  Thy  presence. 
Amid  danger,  sorrow,  and  disaster, 
lift  up  our  eyes  to  Thy  high  rest- 
ing-place. Help  us  to  take  home 
to  our  hearts  the  joyous  inspi- 
ration that  the  untoward  things 
of  life  enter  into  thy  perfect  work 
and  achieve  Thy  majestic  ends. 
Widen  our  outlook  until  our  grief 

[137]  : 


a  Poofe  of  ^va]^txsi 


or  care  shall  be  purged  of  the  least 
taint  of  selfishness,  and  we  shall 
feel  ourselves  one  with  the  whole 
creation,  which  groans  and  travails, 
waiting  for  the  manifestation  of 
the  sons  of  God.  All  this  we  ask 
in  the  name  of  Jesus  Christ,  our 
blessed  Lord  and  Saviour.     Amen, 


[128] 


9  Pook  of  $raper!S( 


# 


XXX 

RACIOUS  Father!  Thou 
hast  revealed  Thyself  glori- 
ously in  Jesus  Christ,  the  Son  of 
Thy  love.  In  Him  we  have  found 
Thee,  or  rather,  are  found  of  Thee. 
By  His  life,  by  His  words  and 
deeds,  by  His  trials  and  sufferings, 
we  are  cleansed  from  sin  and  rise 
into  holiness.  For  in  Him  Thou 
hast  made  disclosure  of  Thine  in- 
most being  and  art  drawing  us  into 
fellowship  with  Thy  life.  As  we 
stand  beneath  His  Cross,  or  pass 
with  Him  into  the  Garden  of  His 
Agony,  it  is  Thy  heart  that  we  see 
unveiled,  it  is  the  passion  of  Thy 
love  yearning  over  the  sinful,  the 
wandering,  seeking  that  it  may 
save  them.  No  man  hath  seen 
Thee  at  any  time,  but  out  from 
the  unknown  has  come  the  Son  of 

[1291 


Man  to  declare  Thee.  And  now 
we  know  Thy  name.  When  we 
call  Thee  Father,  the  mysteries  of 
existence  are  not  so  terrible,  our 
burdens  weigh  less  heavily  upon 
us,  our  sorrows  are  touched  with 
joy.  Thy  Son  has  brought  the 
comfort  that  we  need,  the  comfort 
of  knowing  that  in  all  our  afflictions 
Thou  art  afflicted,  that  in  Thy 
grief  our  lesser  griefs  are  all  con- 
tained. Let  the  light  which  shines 
in  His  face,  shine  into  our  hearts, 
to  give  us  the  knowledge  of  Thy 
glory,  to  scatter  the  darkness  of 
fear,  of  wrong,  of  remorse,  of  fore- 
boding, and  to  constrain  our  lives 
to  finer  issues  of  peace  and  power 
and  spiritual  service.  And  these 
prayers  we  offer  in  Christ's  name. 
Amen, 


Tnrrr 


Intercessory  and  Personal 
Prayers 


^  Poofe  of  ^rapersJ 


For  a  Person  Who  Cannot  Pray 

/iXRACIOUS  Father,  who  givest 
K^  the  hunger  of  desire,  and  sat- 
isfiest  our  hunger  with  good  things; 
quicken  the  heart  of  Thy  servant 
who  mourns  because  he  cannot 
speak  to  Thee,  nor  hear  Thee 
speak  to  him.  Refresh,  we  be- 
seech Thee,  the  dulness  and  dry- 
ness of  his  inner  life.  Grant 
him  perseverance  that  he  may 
never  abandon  the  effort  to  pray, 
even  though  it  brings  for  a  time 
no  comfort  or  joy.  Enlarge  his 
soul's  desires  that  he  may  be 
drawn  unto  Thee.  Send  forth  Thy 
Spirit  into  his  heart  to  help  his 
infirmities;  to  give  him  freedom  of 
utterance,  and  warmth  of  feeling. 
Let  him  muse  upon  Thy  goodness; 
upon  the  blessings  with  which 
Thou  hast  strewn  his  path;  upon 

[m] 


a  jgpofe  of  jgra^erg 


the  mystery  of  the  world,  and  the 
shame  of  sin,  and  the  sadness  of 
death,  —  until  the  fire  kindles  and 
the  heart  melts  in  prayer  and 
praise  and  supplication. 

Lord,  teach  him  to  pray  the 
prayer  that  relieves  the  burdened 
spirit,  and  brings  Thy  blessing, 
which  maketh  rich  and  addeth  no 
sorrow.  Hear  us,  for  Jesus'  sake. 
Amen, 


[134] 


^  jBook  of  praperg 


For    a    Person    Who    Desires 
Faith 

^^%  THOU,  who  givest  liberally 
\^  unto  all  men  and  upbraidest 
not,  give  to  this,  Thy  servant, 
the  desire  of  his  heart.  Thou 
knowest  his  inward  and  outward 
state.  Whatever  it  be  that  holds 
him  back  from  self-surrender  unto 
Thee,  grant  that  it  may  be  taken 
out  of  the  way,  that  there  may  be 
a  free  and  open  intercourse  be- 
tween him  and  Thee.  May  he 
be  willing  to  trust  where  he  can- 
not prove;  willing  to  believe  his 
better  moments  in  spite  of  all  that 
contradicts  them.  Open  his  eyes 
to  see  Thee  as  Thou  art,  infinitely 
real,  infinitely  gracious,  infinitely 
good.  Speak  to  him  in  the  daily 
witness  of  earth  and  sky;  in  the 
goodness    and    tender    mercy    of 

[135] 


9  52iaofe  of  S^taptv^ 


human  hearts;  above  all,  in  the 
words  and  works  of  Thy  perfect 
Son  in  whom  Thou  hast  spoken 
the  ''everlasting  yea"  that  puts 
to  flight  our  every  care.  Take 
from  him  all  dread  of  evils  that 
may  never  happen.  Grant  him 
the  victory  over  every  besetting 
doubt;  and  patience  while  any 
darkness  remains,  that  he  may 
glorify  Thee,  through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.     Amen, 


[1361 


^  iBoofe  of  l^vavtva 


For  a  Person  Troubled  with 
Evil  Thoughts 

/[llYOST  Merciful  Father,  who 
^l^i  orderest  the  wills  and  affec- 
tions of  men;  inspire  in  the  heart 
of  this  Thy  servant  holy  wishes 
and  aspirations,  that  all  base  im- 
aginings and  sinful  broodings  may 
be  cast  out.  Spirit  of  purity 
and  grace,  cleanse  the  thoughts 
of  his  heart  and  bring  his  whole 
being  into  captivity  to  the  law 
of  Christ.  So  direct  and  control 
his  mind  that  he  may  ever  think 
on  whatsoever  things  are  true 
and  pure  and  lovely.  Let  no 
corrupt  thought  get  dominion 
over  him.  Enter  Thou  into  the 
house  of  his  soul.  Enlarge  and 
renew  it  and  consecrate  it  to  Thy- 
self, that  he  may  love  Thee  with 
all  his  mind  and  serve  Thee  with 

[137] 


a  Jioofe  of  drapers; 


all  his  might.  Free  him  from  the 
fascinations  of  false  pleasures  and 
the  allurements  of  debasing  de- 
sires. Fill  his  eyes  with  the  eternal 
beauty  of  goodness,  that  vice  and 
sin  may  appear  as  they  really  are, 
the  last  shame  and  despair  of  life. 
Keep  him  outwardly  in  his  body 
and  inwardly  in  his  soul,  and  con- 
strain him  to  reverential  obedience 
to  the  laws  Thou  hast  ordained  for 
both.  Sustain  him  in  health  of 
body  that  he  may  the  better  con- 
trol the  motions  of  thought,  and 
repel  the  assaults  of  passion.  We 
ask  it  for  Thy  Son  our  Saviour's 
sake.     Amen, 


[138] 


la  Poofe  of  ^ra^ersJ 


For  a  Victim  of  Fear 

ll^  THOU,  who  art  the  ever- 
KP^  blessed  God,  the  underlying 
Peace  of  the  world,  and  who 
wouldst  draw  all  men  into  the 
companionship  of  Thy  joy;  speak, 
we  beseech  Thee,  to  this  Thy 
servant,  for  whom  we  pray.  Take 
him  by  the  hand  and  say  unto  him, 
"Fear  not;  for  I  am  with  thee.  I 
have  called  thee  by  my  name;  thou 
art  mine."  Put  such  a  spirit  of 
trust  within  him  that  all  fear  and 
foreboding  shall  be  cast  out,  and 
that  right  reason  and  calm  assur- 
ance may  rule  his  thoughts  and 
impulses.  Let  quietness  and  confi- 
dence be  his  strength.  Reveal  to 
him  the  vision  of  a  universe  guided 
and  governed  by  Thy  wise  and 
loving  care;  and  show  him  that 
around   and  about  him  are  Thy 


[139] 


Si  Poofe  of  $raperfl{ 


unseen  and  beneficent  powers. 
Lift  up  his  whole  being  into  com- 
munion with  Thy  life  and  thought. 
Let  him  ever  remember  that  Thou 
dost  not  give  to  any  a  spirit  of  fear- 
fulness,  but  a  spirit  of  power  and 
love  and  self-mastery.  In  this 
faith,  grant,  O  Lord,  that  he  may 
summon  the  energies  of  his  soul 
against  the  miseries  that  cast  him 
down.  Give  him  courage,  confi- 
dence, an  untroubled  heart,  and  a 
love  that  loves  all  creatures,  great 
and  small,  for  Thy  love's  sake. 
Amen. 


[1401 


^  J?oofe  of  ^raj>erj5 


For  a  Victim  of  Worry 

eVER  Blessed  God,  whose  word 
is,  "Peace,  peace  to  him  that 
is  far  off  and  to  him  that  is  near", 
fulfil  Thy  promise  to  this  Thy  ser- 
vant for  whom  we  pray.  Rescue 
him  from  the  misery  of  groundless 
fears  and  restless  anxieties.  Take 
him  more  and  more  out  of  himself, 
that  duty  may  be  no  longer  a 
drudgery  but  a  delight.  Lead  him 
into  the  secret  of  Thy  peace  which 
quiets  every  misgiving  and  fills  the 
heart  with  joy  and  confidence. 
Save  him  from  the  shame  and 
emptiness  of  a  hurried  life.  Grant 
him  to  possess  his  soul  in  patience. 
Amid  the  storms  and  stress  of  life, 
let  him  hear  a  deeper  voice  assur- 
ing him  that  Thou  livest  and  that 
all  is  well.  Strengthen  him  to  do 
his  daily  work  in  quietness   and 

[141] 


Hi  igoo&  of  $ra|>et!e( 


confidence,  fearing  no  to-morrow, 
nor  the  evil  that  it  brings,  for  Thou 
art  with  him.  And  this  we  ask  for 
Jesus  Christ's  sake.    Amen, 


[1421 


<S  IBoob  of  drapers; 


For  a  Person  Suffering  from 
Neurasthenia 

nt  LMIGHTY  and  AlHoving  God, 
^^  who  giveth  power  to  the  faint 
and  increaseth  strength  to  him  that 
hath  no  might;  visit  in  mercy 
this  Thy  servant,  sunken  in  deep 
depression,  and  made  to  possess 
days  and  nights  of  misery.  Thou 
knowest  this  frame  of  ours,  which 
Thou  hast  so  fearfully  and  wonder- 
fully made;  how  its  wounds  and 
bruises  hurt  and  weaken  the  powers 
of  the  soul.  Out  of  the  depths  of 
weariness  and  pain  and  apprehen- 
sion. Thy  servant  lifts  a  cry  to 
Thee  for  help.  Hasten  to  his 
succour,  0  Lord.  Turn  his  eyes 
from  his  disordered  life  to  Thee, 
the  source  of  all  order  and  peace 
in  the  universe.  Make  him  to 
feel   that  Thou    art   Soul   of   his 

[143] 


la  JBoofe  of  ^raj>ers( 


soul.  Open  his  heart  that  Thy 
healing  forces  may  find  free  access 
and  may  restore  to  unity  and 
soundness  all  the  functions  of 
brain  and  soul.  Let  a  conscious- 
ness of  Thy  love  cast  out  all  fear; 
let  a  sense  of  Thy  reality  and 
nearness  put  to  flight  the  spectres 
of  the  mind;  let  the  still  small 
voice  of  Thy  Spirit  conquer  the 
voices  of  distrust  and  self-despair 
with  the  glad  conviction  that  out 
of  weakness  Thou  canst  make 
strong,  that  underneath  and 
around  him  are  the  everlasting 
arms  of  Thy  compassion.  For- 
give the  sins  of  the  past.  Reveal 
to  him  the  vision  of  a  new  future; 
of  a  life  made  free  and  strong  and 
beautiful  in  the  glory  of  Thy  grace, 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 


[144] 


4 

SI  Jioob  of  ^raj>erfi( 


For  a  Person  Suffering  from 
Insomnia 

/t^  THOU,  who  keepest  the 
\i0^  night-watches  of  the  world; 
have  compassion  on  this  Thy  ser- 
vant, who  seeks  rest  and  can- 
not find  it.  Thou,  the  Unsleeping 
One,  givest  sleep  to  all  Thy  crea- 
tures. Wherefore  we  entreat  Thee 
for  Thy  servant  that  he  may 
rejoice  in  the  sweet  oblivion 
wherein  Thy  healing  forces  abide. 
Thou  seest  his  sad  state  of  body 
and  of  mind.  When  it  is  even- 
ing, he  cries,  "Would  God  it  were 
morning!"  and  when  the  morn- 
ing comes,  he  has  no  pleasure  in  it. 
Temper  to  him  the  hours  of  wake- 
fulness by  soothing  memories  and 
thoughts  of  dear  ones,  and  thanks- 
givings for  all  the  good  things 
thou    hast    bestowed    upon    him. 

[145] 


la  Poo&  of  drapers? 


May  he  feel  his  past,  Au  present, 
and  his  future  alike  beset  by  Thy 
faithfulness  which  is  good  and  Thy 
compassions  that  fail  not.  Let  no 
worry  harass  his  mind.  Let  no 
fear  disturb  his  heart.  Give  him 
to  feel  that  Thou  canst  transform 
the  blunders  of  the  vanished  years 
and  make  them  ministers  of  good. 
O  divine  and  holy  Peace!  enter 
his  soul  that  no  shadows  from  out 
the  past  and  no  presentiments  of 
ill  in  the  future  may  frighten  sleep 
away!  But  gently  steep  his  senses 
in  unconsciousness,  and  give  him 
to  know  the  blessedness  of  that 
ancient  word,  "He  giveth  His  be- 
loved sleep."  And  we  will  praise 
Thee  now  and  ever  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.     Amen, 


[146] 


Si  l&o(A  of  ^tapers; 


For  a  Person  Suffering  from 
Depression 

yi^  GOD,    Almighty    and    All- 
VIP^  good,   have   pity   upon  this 
Thy  afflicted   servant,   who  from 
the  depths  of  sadness  would  lift  a 
cry  to  Thee.     Restore  to  him,  we 
pray  Thee,   the  joy  of  life.     Be 
Thou   the   strength  of  his  heart, 
the  Light  in  his  gloom,  and  the 
Lifter  up  of  his  head.    Inspire  him 
with  new  courage  to  throw  off  the 
thoughts    that    oppress;    to   bear 
with  patience  the  trial  of  his  faith. 
Grant   him   prudence  and  under- 
standing that  he  may  avoid  those 
outward  things  that  cast  him  down; 
and    instead    may    cherish    every 
good  and  hopeful  inspiration  and 
receive   comfort  from   those  who 
rejoice  and  are  strong.    Make  him 
gladwith  the  assurance  that  though 

.  [147] 


a  ?Boofe  of  l^vaptx^ 


the  night  cometh,  the  morning 
cometh  also.  Let  Thy  blessing 
accompany  the  means  appointed 
for  his  help.  Deliver  him  out  of 
prison  that  he  may  praise  Thy 
name,  through  our  Lord  and 
Saviour,  Jesus  Christ.     Amen, 


[148] 


a  poofe  of  drapers; 


For     a     Person     Threatened 
WITH  Insanity 

TTf  IGHT  of  our  light,  eternal 
J^  Reason  in  whom  our  finite 
minds  exist,  and  in  whose  crea- 
tive powers  they  share;  visit  in 
mercy  this  Thy  servant,  who  now 
stands  under  the  shadow  of  a 
great  calamity.  We  are  mys- 
teries to  ourselves  and  know  not 
the  secrets  of  our  mental  life; 
but  Thou  art  acquainted  with  all 
our  ways  and  understandest  our 
thought  afar  off.  The  inmost 
ground  of  our  being  is  well-known 
to  Thee,  for  Thou  dwellest  in  us, 
Soul  of  our  souls.  Through  hidden 
and  marvellous  ways,  known  only 
to  Thee,  Thou  canst  bring  help  to 
the  distracted  spirit,  unity  and 
control  to  the  disordered  imagi- 
nation.    Pierce  Thou   the  gloom 


[149] 


a  Poofe  of  drapers; 


with  Thy  light;  and  let  the 
beam  in  darkness  grow  until  all 
the  energies  of  mind  shall  be  re- 
stored to  their  normal  exercise. 
Turn  aside  the  threatened  ill, 
we  beseech  Thee,  and  let  not  Thy 
servant  sink  into  the  pit  of  de- 
spair. Show  him  some  token  for 
good  that  he  may  take  fresh  hope 
and  rouse  the  forces  of  order  and 
sanity  against  every  thing  that 
vexes  or  disturbs.  Answer  us  for 
Thy  mercy's  sake.     Amen, 


[1501 


SL  Jioofe  of  l^rapersl 


For  a  Person  Striving  to  Over- 
come THE  Alcohol  Habit 

y|^  GOD,  most  mighty  and  most 
\t^  compassionate,  hear  our 
prayers  in  behalf  of  this  Thy  serv- 
ant, who  is  making  the  first  tremb- 
ling efforts  to  conquer  the  demon 
that  has  so  long  held  him  in  servi- 
tude. We  rejoice  that  Thou  hast 
inspired  him  to  rise  in  Thy  strength 
against  this  evil  power.  Help  him 
to  stand,  and  should  he  fall,  grant 
that  he  may  not  be  discouraged, 
but  rather  that  he  may  strengthen 
the  weak  places  of  his  character, 
and  gird  himself  anew  for  the 
conflict.  Thou  knowest  the  force 
and  subtlety  of  the  temptation; 
how  it  comes  in  the  most  alluring 
guise;  how  it  promises  freedom 
from  care  and  exaltation  above 
the  stings  and  arrows  of  the  world; 


[1511 


a  ?Baofe  of  drapers; 


how  It  curses  and  degrades  its 
victim  and  works  woe  and  shame 
to  all  who  love  him.  Have  pity, 
O  Lord,  upon  him  for  whom  we 
pray.  Bless  the  means,  medical 
and  moral,  that  are  being  used 
for  his  recovery.  Surround  him 
with  earnest  and  hopeful  friends 
who  may  encourage  and  sustain 
him  in  his  hours  of  weakness. 
Kindle  in  his  heart  the  fire  of 
some  noble  ambition,  some  spirit- 
ual desire  that  may  burn  up  all 
base  appetite,  all  craving  for  an 
unworthy  self-indulgence.  It  is 
not  meet  that  Thy  child  should 
be  held  bound  by  this  evil  thing. 
Break  the  fetters  that  enchain  Am, 
and  set  him  free  to  serve  Thee 
with  a  right  and  quiet  mind.  And 
we  will  give  Thee  all  the  praise 
now  and  ever.     Amen, 


[152] 


at  jBoofe  of  j^raperg 


For  the  Insane 

/Ttfl'OST  gracious  God,  who  en- 
^jTI*'!'  viest  the  good  of  none  of 
Thy  creatures  and  forsakest  noth- 
ing Thou  hast  made;  we  plead 
before  Thee  the  cause  of  those 
whose  Hght  has  become  darkness, 
whose  souls  wander  in  waste  places, 
seeking  rest  and  finding  none. 
"Even  the  darkness  hideth  not 
from  Thee;  but  the  night  shineth 
as  the  day."  Thou  seest  the 
affliction  of  Thy  children;  Thou 
knowest  its  beginning  and  Its  end 
and  all  its  sadness.  Have  pity 
upon  all  who  are  bearing  the  sins 
of  those  who  have  gone  before. 
Thy  laws  change  not  from  age  to 
age;  yet  we  believe  that  Thy 
mercy  is  from  everlasting  to  ever- 
lasting and  rejoices  against  judg- 
ment.   Let  Thy  love  comfort  the 

[153] 


a  poofe  of  ^raj^ersl 


innocent  who  cry  in  their  anguish 
and  "  with  no  language  but  a  cry." 
Graciously  help  those  who  by 
sin  and  folly  have  brought  harm 
upon  themselves.  Let  the  glory 
of  Thy  compassion  shine  through 
the  gloom  to  give  hope  to  the 
despairing,  courage  to  the  down- 
cast, peace  to  the  restless  and  ill 
at  ease. 

We  bless  Thee  for  Thy  servants, 
the  physicians  who  seek  to  heal 
the  troubles  of  the  mind.  We 
thank  Thee  for  the  newer  knowl- 
edge and  the  finer  skill  with  which 
Thy  Spirit  has  inspired  them. 
Lead  them  still  more  deeply  into 
the  secrets  of  our  common  nature, 
and  crown  their  every  effort  with 
success.  Pour  out  upon  us  all  the 
spirit  of  the  Son  of  Man,  the 
spirit  that  yearns  to  restore  to 
human    fellowship    all    who    have 


ja  Poofe  ot  drapers? 


fallen  by  the  way.  Hear  our 
prayer,  and  help  us  not  only  to 
pray  but  to  work  in  Thy  name 
and  to  Thy  glory,  now  and  ever. 
Amen. 


[155] 


a  Poofe  oi  drapers; 


For  a  Person  Haunted  with 
THE  Fear  of  Committing 
Suicide 


m 


'OST  merciful  God,  unto 
whom  all  hearts  are  open 
and  from  whom  no  secret  is  hid; 
look  in  pity  upon  this  unhappy 
child  of  Thine,  in  whose  heart  a 
secret  fear  takes  the  joy  from  life. 
O  Thou  who  hast  made  him  a 
living  soul,  sustain  within  him 
such  a  faith  as  shall  cast  out  all 
fear.  Open  his  eyes  to  the  beauty 
and  the  glory  of  the  world.  Re- 
veal to  him  the  sacred  opportu- 
nities of  service.  Grant  him  to 
behold  the  embrace  of  Thy  love, 
holding  him  up  and  keeping 
him  safe.  Help  him  to  throw 
himself  upon  Thine  everlasting 
strength.  Fill  him  with  courage 
and  new  hope  that  he  may  tread 

11561 


a  PoDfe  of  IPrapersf 


down  this  fear.  Deepen  within 
him  the  consciousness  of  Thine 
indwelling  presence,  the  assurance 
that  Thou  art  always  with  him  to 
keep  back  Thy  servant  from  pre- 
sumptuous sin.  Out  of  weakness 
may  he  be  made  strong,  because 
Thy  hand  is  laid  upon  him;  and 
then  may  he  have  grace  to  make 
others  strong.  Grant  this,  our 
prayer,  for  our  Redeemer's  sake. 
Amen, 


1157] 


S  Poofe  ot  l^vavtx^ 


For  a  Person  Who  Fears  that 
IN  Dying  He  Will  Lose  a 
Sense  of  Personal  Identity 

A^  THOU,  who  art  from  ever- 
\i^  lasting,  and  who  Hvest  in 
every  creature  made  in  Thy  image; 
we  pray  for  this.  Thy  servant,  that 
he  may  be  delivered  from  the 
bondage  of  the  fear  of  death. 
Teach  him  that  Thou  art  the  God, 
not  of  the  dead,  but  of  the  living; 
that  all  souls  share  in  Thy  immor- 
tal life;  that  because  Thou  livest, 
he  will  live  also.  Let  him  lose 
himself  in  Thee,  only  that  he  may 
find  himself  in  a  more  glorious 
being.  Reveal  Thyself  to  him  as 
Thou  art,  an  infinitude  where 
there  is  room  for  all  spirits,  who 
may  reflect  in  diverse  ways  the 
glory  of  Thy  love  and  thought. 
Take  from  death  its  last  sting,  the 

[158] 


19  iSoo&  a{  3^xaptt9i 


fear  that  in  dying  we  lose  our 
personality.  Give  unto  us  all  a 
larger  measure  of  the  trust  and 
the  hope  that  can  say  with  Thine 
own  Son,  ''Father,  into  Thy  hands 
I  commend  my  spirit,"  knowing 
that  Thou  wilt  not  turn  away  from 
our  cry,  but  wilt  do  for  us  exceeding 
abundantly  above  all  that  we  ask 
or  think.  And  unto  Thee  be  all 
the  glory  in  Christ  Jesus  for  ever 
and  ever.    Amen, 


!a  JJoofe  of  3^vuvtxs 


For  a  Person  Suffering  from 
A  Serious  Illness 

€TERNAL  Father,  strong  to 
save!  stretch  forth  Thy  hand, 
and  graciously  heal  Thy  sick  ser- 
vant whom  we  remember  before 
Thee.  Our  help  is  in  Thee.  Are 
we  not  Thy  children,  and  art 
Thou  not  our  Father?  We  bear 
our  brother  in  the  arms  of  faith 
into  Thy  presence,  and  we  ask 
Thee  to  lift  from  off  him  the 
burden  of  disease  and  restore  him 
to  his  family  and  his  friends,  in 
the  fulness  of  health  and  strength. 
To  this  end  we  pray  that  Thou 
wouldest  accompany  with  Thy 
favour  the  various  agencies  that 
are  being  used  for  his  recovery. 
Give  insight  and  skill  to  the 
physicians;  tenderness  and  wis- 
dom  to   the    nurses;     trust    and 

[1601 


B  S^ooft  of  ^vaptv^ 


confidence  and  good  courage  to 
those  who  watch  and  wait  in  sore 
anxiety.  Fill  the  sick,  room  with 
the  brightness  of  Thy  presence.  O 
Thou  true  Physician,  who  hatest 
disease  and  pain  and  sickness, 
bring  to  Thy  suffering  servant, 
peace  and  rest  and  the  healing 
gift  of  sleep.  "Lord,  if  he  sleep, 
he  shall  do  well."  Above  all  be- 
stow upon  him  those  spiritual 
blessings  which  are  better  than 
life.  Let  this  present  affliction 
detach  and  purify  his  heart  and 
make  it  meet  for  Thy  dwelling 
place.  Give  him  patience  that 
he  may  bear  pain  and  weakness 
bravely;  that  he  may  abandon 
himself  wholly  to  Thee  and  lie  un- 
reservedly in  Thy  hands.  Grant 
him  repentance  and  pardon  for  all 
the  sins  of  the  past,  and  fill  his 
soul  with  visions  of  a  holier  future. 

— 71611  '^ 


ja  ISook  of  $taperis 


Answer  these  prayers  for  the  sake 
of  Jesus  Christ,  Thy  only  Son, 
our  Lord.     Amen. 


[162] 


la  poofe  of  S^vaptxsi 


For  a  Sick  Child 

iflfVOST  merciful  and  most  piti- 
jjin  ful  Father!  visit  this  child, 
we  beseech  Thee,  with  Thy  healing 
power.  We  believe  that  Thou  art 
both  able  and  willing  to  help  us. 
When  Thy  Son  dwelt  among  us. 
He  revealed  the  love  and  desire  of 
Thy  heart  by  restoring  those  who 
were  sick  in  body  or  in  mind  in 
answer  to  the  cry  of  faith.  Thou 
art  the  same  tender  and  loving 
Father  to-day.  Increase  our  faith 
that  we  too  may  receive  from  Thee 
a  gift,  even  the  life  of  this  child. 
Bless  those  who  minister  to  him. 
Give  them  wisdom,  skill,  tender- 
ness, and  an  ever-undaunted  hope. 
Endue  with  healing  virtue  the 
means  being  used  to  combat  his 
disorder.  Lay  Thy  hand  upon 
him  to  save  and  to  raise  him  up. 

[1631 


^  jBoofe  of  drapers 


We  pray  for  his  soul's  health. 
Keep  him  pure  and  unspotted 
from  the  evil  that  is  in  the  world. 
Consecrate  him  anew  to  Thyself 
that  in  sickness  or  in  health  he 
may  be  Thine,  to  witness  to  Thy 
Kingdom  where  reigns  the  spirit 
of  a  child.  Bless  those  who  espe- 
cially love  him  and  who  now  watch 
and  wait  with  troubled  hearts. 
Banish  from  them  despair.  Give 
them  an  abundant  hope  and  a  liv- 
ing trust  and  an  earnest  prayer. 
This  we  ask  for  Jesus  Christ's  sake. 
Amen, 


[164] 


ia  5?oofe  of  l^vaytxsi 


For  a  Person  about  to  Undergo 
A  Surgical  Operation 

|ELP  of  the  helpless,  Comfort 
of  the  comfortless!  we  en- 
treat Thee  in  behalf  of  this 
afflicted  one  who  must  soon  pass 
through  an  ordeal,  the  thought  of 
which  tries  and  vexes  him. 
Thou  canst  heal  and  Thou  canst 
save.  From  Thee  flows  forth 
eternally  a  tide  of  healing  energy 
to  destroy  the  ravages  of  sickness, 
pain  and  death.  Set  Thy  servant, 
through  trust  and  confidence  in 
Thee,  in  the  currents  of  Thy 
saving  power,  so  that  he  may 
surrender  himself  wholly  to  Thy 
keeping.  Grant  that  he  may  fall 
gently  and  sweetly  asleep,  un- 
disturbed in  body  or  in  mind. 
Guard  him  through  the  hours  of 
unconsciousness,  and  restore  him 

[165] 


gl  poofe  of  ^ra|>ersf 


In  due  time  to  the  world  on  which 
he  has  for  a  while  shut  his  eyes. 
We  thank  Thee  for  the  resources 
of  medical  science,  for  their  power 
to  assuage  pain  and  bring  peace 
to  the  suffering  nerves.  Guide  the 
surgeon's  knife,  so  that  through 
the  wounds  which  it  must  make, 
there  may  enter  the  forces  that 
cure  and  save.  Give  to  all  who 
care  for  Thy  servant,  physicians 
and  nurses  and  friends,  the  wis- 
dom, the  patience,  the  tenderness, 
which  will  assure  him  that  he  is 
safe  in  Thy  hands,  and  shielded 
by  Thy  goodness.  Awaken  faith 
in  the  heart  of  the  suiferer,  and 
of  those  who  watch  by  his  bedside 
that  it  may  be  done  unto  them 
according  to  their  faith,  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 


1166] 


!3  Poofc  of  drapers; 


For  a  Person  Suffering  from 
Acute  Bodily  Pain 

^IT'HOU  knowest,  O  Lord,  this 
^y/  body  of  ours.  Thou  knowest 
how  susceptible  it  is  to  misery  and 
discomfort,  how  along  its  nerves 
shoots  the  thrill  of  an  intolerable 
agony.  Therefore  do  we  beseech 
Thee  for  him  who  asks  our  prayers 
that  Thou  wouldst  have  pity  upon 
him.  Lord,  have  mercy  upon  him 
and  help  him.  We  know  that 
Thou  canst,  and  that  Thou  art 
more  ready  to  have  compassion 
than  we  are  to  ask  it  of  Thee. 
Grant  him  such  a  sense  of  Thy 
indwelling  presence  that  he  may 
commit  himself  wholly  to  Thy 
care,  so  that  through  his  faith 
in  Thee,  Thou  mayst  give  to 
him  surcease  of  pain  and  the 
glad  consciousness  of  health. 

ri67i  " 


a  IBoofe  ot  drapers; 

Bless  Thy  minister,  the  physician 
who  seeks  to  help  the  ailing  body. 
Give  him  clearness  of  mind  and 
skilfulness   of   touch    and   tender- 
ness   of    heart,    so    that    he    may 
become  the  organ  of  Thy  healing 
mercy,  and  enabled  to  relieve  the 
suffering,    and    bring    peace    and 
strength  to  the  exhausted  frame. 
If  for  a  time  the  pain  mustcontinue, 
give  Thy  servant  grace  to  endure 
it.     Let  him  think  of  the  Divine 
Sufferer,    who    in    meekness    and 
submission  endured  the  Cross,  and 
despised  the  shame.     Upheld  by 
His  example  may  he  conquer  pain 
and    rise   out   of   it   purified    and 
strengthened  and  made  more  meet 
for    Thy    service,    through    Jesus 
Christ.     Amen. 

[1681 

^  Poo&  of  drapers? 


For   a    Person   at   the    Point 
OF  Death 

3MM0RTAL  Father,  from 
Thee  we  come  and  to  Thee 
we  return.  Hear  our  prayer  for 
this  Thy  servant,  who  lies  in 
great  weakness,  and  who,  to  all 
human  seeming,  is  about  to  de- 
part hence.  Strengthen  and  com- 
fort him  with  a  sense  of  Thy 
peace.  Grant  him  to  place  his 
trust  and  confidence  in  Thy  gra- 
cious promises;  and  then,  though 
he  walk  through  the  valley  of  the 
shadow  of  death,  he  need  fear  no 
evil.  Let  Am  put  his  hand  in 
Thine,  and  in  quiet  assurance 
pass  with  Thee,  as  a  child  with 
his  father,  to  Thy  home  of  love 
and  joy  and  rest.  Scatter  Thou 
the  clouds  of  sin  and  fear.  Give 
him    a    spirit    of    penitence    and 


Si  Poofe  of  $raper£( 


hope.  Sustain  him  with  a  vision 
of  the  blessedness  which  Thou 
hast  prepared  for  them  who,  re- 
penting their  sins  and  failures, 
would  be  done  with  self  and  at 
one  with  Thee.  Reveal  Thy  Son 
Jesus  Christ  in  his  heart  as  the 
Risen  One  who  has  conquered 
death  and  evil,  not  for  Himself 
only,  but  for  all  the  sinful  chil- 
dren of  men.  Take  Thy  servant 
into  Thy  holy  keeping,  into  the 
nearer  embrace  of  Thy  love  and 
mercy.  And  grant  that  we  may 
all  meet  at  last  in  Thy  many  man- 
sions above,  through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Blessed  Lord  and  Saviour. 
Amen, 


[1701 


^  Jioofe  of  ^rapertf 


For    an     Incurably    Crippled 
Child 

/fJft'OST  merciful  Father,  whose 
^^''1'  heart  beats  In  sympathy 
with  the  sorrow  of  Thy  children, 
and  whose  will  is  ever  working 
against  pain  and  evil,  we  beseech 
Thee  in  behalf  of  this  child,  af- 
flicted with  much  bodily  weakness, 
sore  hindered  in  the  race  of  life. 
Inspire  him  with  the  spirit  of 
patience.  Give  him  the  virtue  of 
endurance.  Teach  him.  that  even 
as  Thy  Son  was  perfected  through 
suffering  meekly  borne,  so  too, 
every  lesser  cross  m^ay  become  a 
gift  from  Thee,  rich  in  all  spiritual 
blessing.  Open  to  him^  in  Thy 
good  time,  the  mystery  of  suffer- 
ing. Never  let  him  fall  into 
the  spirit  of  complaint  and  dis- 
couragement; of  doubt  and  fear; 

[mT 


^  Poo&  a{  S^vaptvsi 


of  Introspection  and  self-pity.  Lift 
him  out  of  himself  that  A^  may 
trust  in  Thine  eternal  strength  and 
wisdom;  that  he  may  think  of 
others  who  also  suffer  and  are 
weary  and  long  for  comfort.  And 
so  may  his  own  pain  grow  less, 
and  his  own  burden  grow  light. 
Fill  his  heart  with  a  sense  of  Thy 
love;  with  thanksgiving  for  all  the 
blessings  of  his  daily  life;  for  dear 
parents,  kind  friends  and  good 
books;  for  the  opportunities  of 
power  and  service  that  still  remain. 
Give  him  some  work  to  do  for 
Thee  and  enable  him  to  pass  from 
strength  to  strength  until  at  last 
he  see  Thee  in  Thy  heavenly  King- 
dom. We  ask  this  for  Christ's 
sake.      Amen. 


[1721 


^  Pooft  of  l^taptxii 


For  a  Person  Suffering  from  a 
Sense  of  Loneliness 

COMPANION  of  our  souls! 
Friend  that  sticketh  closer 
than  a  brother!  Hear  our  prayers 
for  this  Thy  servant,  who  feels 
lonely  and  forsaken,  alone  upon 
the  wide  sea  of  humanity.  Thou 
hast  made  us,  in  the  inmost  ground 
of  our  being,  with  desires  for  fel- 
lowship, with  a  nature  that  is  un- 
finished until  it  completes  itself 
in  union  with  others.  Comfort 
Thy  servant  with  a  sense  of  Divine 
companionship.  May  he  look  up 
into  Thy  face  and  learn  to  say, 
"I  am  alone,  yet  not  alone,  for 
the  Father  is  with  me."  Speak  to 
him  through  other  lives.  Raise 
up  to  him  friends  and  brothers,  and 
draw  his  heart  to  them  that  the 
joy  of  comradeship   may  be  his; 

[173] 


gi  jBoofe  of  3^raperg 


that  never  again  may  he  be 
tempted  to  say  within  himself, 
"Who  am  I,  that  I  should  be 
remembered  among  so  great  a 
multitude?"  May  Thine  ancient 
comfort  sustain  and  strengthen 
him,  "Though  a  woman  may  for- 
get the  son  of  her  womb,  yet  will 
not  I  forget  Thee."  Answer  this 
prayer  for  Christ's  sake.    Amen, 


[1741 


ia  jBoofe  of  Bra^erg 


For  a  Person  Haunted  with  the 
Fear  of  having  Committed 
THE  Unpardonable  Sin 

/^S  THOU  who  art  Love,  behold 
\i^  in  pity  Thy  servant,  held 
in  bondage  to  a  secret  fear  that  he 
is  beyond  thy  forgiving  mercy, 
lost  in  a  darkness  where  Thou  art 
not.  Free  him  from  the  dominion 
of  these  sad  thoughts.  Chase  away 
the  phantoms  of  a  morbid  imagi- 
nation, by  the  health-giving  beams 
of  Thy  light.  Reveal  to  him  the 
infinitude  of  Thy  mercy,  so  that  he 
may  be  well  assured  that  there 
is  no  sin  which  Thou  art  not 
willing  to  forgive.  May  he  rest 
in  faith  on  Thine  own  word:  "I 
have  blotted  out,  as  a  thick  cloud. 
Thy  transgressions;  return  unto 
me,  for  I  have  redeemed  thee." 
We  pray  that  Thy  blessing  may 

1175] 


21  Poofe  of  drapers; 


rest  upon  all  the  means  that  are 
being  used  for  the  restoration  of 
Thy  servant  to  peace  of  mind.  Re- 
move the  causes,  physical  and 
mental,  that  make  for  his  present 
misery.  Let  a  spirit  of  right  rea- 
son, of  a  patient  trust,  of  unselfish 
labour,  wean  his  thoughts  from  the 
tyranny  of  unwholesome  and  self- 
centred  brooding.  And  with  a 
mind  wholly  possessed  with  a  sense 
of  Thy  goodness,  may  he  give 
thanks  to  Thee  and  praise  Thy 
name  evermore.    Amen, 


[176] 


a  Jioofe  of  drapers; 


For  a  Woman   Burdened  with 
Domestic  Cares 


0 


THOU  who  bearest  the 
burdens  of  Thy  children,  and 
faintest  not,  neither  art  weary;  be 
present  with  thy  strength  and 
patience  to  this  Thy  servant,  who, 
cumbered  with  much  serving,  is 
troubled  about  many  things. 
Make  clear  her  vision  that  she 
may  behold  the  beauty  of  common 
things.  Teach  her  that  the  ordi- 
nary task  has  power  to  draw  her 
close  to  Thee.  Take  from  her  the 
spirit  of  discouragement  and  re- 
pining; of  anxious  brooding;  of 
untrustful  care.  Comfort  her  with 
the  assurance  that  not  the  least 
labour  done  for  Thee  is  done  in 
vain.  Amid  the  petty  cares  and 
irritating  concerns  of  her  days, 
bring  her  into  the  secret  place  of 

[177] 


g[  jgoofe  of  Braperg 


Thy  silence  where  Thou  givest  rest 
and  refreshment.  Whether  resting 
or  working,  grant  her  to  be  at 
peace  with  herself,  with  Thee,  and 
with  the  world.  Ease  her  heart, 
O  Lord,  of  its  small  troubles  and 
fill  it  with  joy  and  gladness;  and 
grant  her  to  see  even  now  some 
fruition  of  her  work  in  the  happi- 
ness of  those  who  love  her  and  who 
call  her  blessed.  And  this  we  ask 
for  Jesus  Christ's  sake.    Amen, 


[178] 


of  Bvavtvsi 

For  Parents   Who   Have   Lost 
A  Child  by  Death 

jf'ATHER  of  Mercies  and  God 
fJJ  of  all  Comfort!  look  in  pity 
on  these,  Thy  servants,  whose 
joy  has  been  turned  into  sorrow, 
whose  house  has  been  left  unto 
them  desolate.  They  have  drunk 
of  the  cup  of  bitterness;  wilt  Thou 
not  now  give  them  the  cup  of 
consolation?  Let  not  their  faith 
die,  nor  their  light  go  out  in  dark- 
ness. Give  them  the  spirit  of 
Him  who  learned  obedience  by 
the  things  which  He  suffered,  so 
that  like  Him,  they  too  may  say, 
in  meek  and  filial  submission, 
"Not  my  will  but  Thine  be  done." 
Comfort  them  with  the  assurance 
that  their  loved  one  is  at  rest  in 
Thee  and  will  be  remembered  in 
the  day  when  Thou   makest  up 

[179] 


a  Poofe  of  drapers?} 


the  number  of  Thy  jewels.  In 
this  hour  of  trial  draw  Thy  ser- 
vants close  to  Thy  love  and  help 
them  to  trust  Thee  and  to  be- 
lieve that  deeper  than  the  pain 
and  the  mystery  of  death  are  the 
everlasting  arms  of  Thy  tender 
mercy.  Hear  our  prayers  for  the 
sake  of  Him  who  is  our  only 
Mediator  and  Advocate,  our 
Saviour,  Jesus  Christ.     Amen, 


F1801 


SL  Poo&  of  drapers; 


In  Remembrance  of  Departed 
Friends 

TT  ORD  of  all  spirits  in  all  worlds ! 
J^  We  remember  before  Thee 
our  loved  ones  who  have  passed 
into  Thy  perfect  rest.  We  thank 
Thee  that  their  night  of  sorrow 
has  been  followed  by  the  joy 
of  Thy  everlasting  morning.  We 
believe  that  they  are  safe  in 
Thee  and  in  Thee  we  find  them 
"  worthier  to  be  loved."  We  would 
not,  even  if  we  could,  bring  them 
back  from  Thy  holy  Heaven  to 
our  sinful  earth,  from  Thy  sweet 
repose  to  our  sad  unrest.  It  is 
our  joy  to  know  that  death  has 
not  stayed  their  spiritual  progress; 
that  they  are  ever  advancing  to 
heights  not  yet  attained.  They 
follow  the  Lamb  from  fountain  to 
fountain  of  living  waters.    Behind 

[1811 


K  ^oo&  of  $rapet£{ 

1 

the  veil  whither  they  have  gone 
our    hearts    would    also    go,    and 
through    Thee   would    hold    com- 
munion  with   them   for   a    space. 
As  we  contemplate  their  bliss  and 
think  of  all  the  blessing  they  have 
wrought  us,  may  our  sorrow  grow 
less   and  our  hope  grow  brighter 
until  Thou   dost  give  them  back 
to  us,  and  us  to  them,  in  the  land 
where  Thy  glory  dwelleth.    Amen,  . 

[182] 

<a  poofe  of  $raperfii 


For  Children 

^LMIGHTY  Father,  we  bless 
^Vl'  Thee  for  the  children  Thou 
hast  given  us,  and  for  all  the  joys 
they  have  brought  us.  Truly 
children  are  a  heritage  from  Thee. 
We  would  consecrate  them  anew 
to  Thy  service;  we  would  train 
them  in  the  knowledge  and  love 
of  Thy  commands.  Reveal  to 
them  the  glory  and  the  beauty  of 
life.  Enable  them  to  rise  to  their 
supreme  opportunities;  to  cast 
aside  all  frivolity  and  carelessness; 
and  to  make  ready  body  and  mind 
for  the  work  that  awaits  them. 
Inspire  them  with  a  spirit  of 
truth  and  courage  and  self-control. 
Arm  them  against  the  temptations 
of  their  own  hearts  and  of  the 
world  around.  -Let  no  evil  passion 
have  dominion  over  them.     Write 

\W] 


^  Poo&  of  ^tapetie; 


the  law  of  kindness  in  their  hearts, 
that  they  may  hate  all  cruelty  with 
a  perfect  hatred  and  love  all  good- 
ness and  mercy  with  a  perfect  love. 
May  the  Child  Christ  lead  them 
and  teach  them,  so  that  as  they 
grow  in  age  they  may  grow  in 
grace,  and  at  the  last  may  behold 
Thy  face  without  fear  or  shame. 
Grant  an  answer  to  our  prayer, 
through  Jesus  Christ.     Amen, 


[184] 


a  Poofe  of  ^ra|>ers{ 

For  a  Mother  Grieving  for  a 
Wayward  Child 

/i^  THOU  who  art  more  than 
SJ^  father  and   mother  to  Thy 
children;     hear   the    prayers    and 
look  on  the  sorrows  of  this,  Thy 
servant.     Thou    knowest   the   in- 
finite yearning  of  a  mother's  heart. 
Thou    hast    inspired    her   with    a 
love  most  like  Thine;  a  love  that 
gives  all  and  pardons  all;   a  love 
that  still  prays   and  waits  and 
hopes   when    all    lesser   loves    are 
silent.     Thou  beholdest  the  tears 
of  this  mother,  and  we  know  that 
not   one   of    them    shall   fall   for- 
gotten of  Thee.     May  a  glad  sur- 
prise   come    to    her    by    Thine 
abundant  answer   to   her  prayer. 
Turn   the   heart  of   her  child    to 
her  in  renewed  love  and  sorrow- 
ful   regret;   and     unite    them 

[185] 

^  Poo&  of  $tapet£( 


evermore  in  the  bonds  of  a  new 
affection.  Say  to  her,  as  was 
said  to  a  mother  in  the  olden 
time,  "Woman,  go  Thy  way.  The 
child  of  such  tears  can  never 
perish."  We  ask  Thee  to  answer 
our  prayer  for  Jesus  Christ's  sake. 
Amen, 


[186] 


la  poo&  of  $rapers^ 


For  the  Aged 

ll^  THOU,     whose    years     are 

\!^  throughout  all  generations, 
and  who  abidest  though  all  else 
passes  away;  we  pray  for  those 
whose  days  are  far  spent  and 
whose  appointed  time  to  de- 
part is  drawing  nigh.  Amid  the 
shadows  of  evening  grant  them 
the  vision  of  Thy  glorious  morn- 
ing. As  the  outward  man  per- 
ishes, may  the  inner  man  be 
renewed  day  by  day.  Teach  them 
to  bear  with  patience  the  infirmi- 
ties of  age.  Comfort  and  sustain 
them  with  the  hands  of  friend- 
ship and  love  and  sympathy.  In 
their  ever-growing  loneliness,  as 
friend  after  friend  departs,  be 
Thou  to  them  their  faithful  Com- 
panion, the  same  yesterday,  to- 
day,   and    forever.      Take    from 

[187] 


a  ?Soofe  of  ^rapersf 


them  all  despair  of  the  world; 
all  regret  of  vanished  days;  all 
impatience  with  the  plans  and 
interests  of  the  present  time. 
Give  them  a  forward  look;  a  joy- 
ous faith;  and  when  life's  day  is 
ended,  grant  them  to  lie  down  to 
rest  in  perfect  peace  and  in  the 
joyous  assurance  that  Thou  hast 
in  store  for  them  such  good  things 
as  pass  man's  understanding.  Hear 
this  our  prayer  for  our  Saviour's 
sake.     Amen, 


[1881 


a  Jgooli  of  ^raperfiJ 

For  the  Poor 

ll^  GOD  of  mercy!  Thou  know- 
Ki^  est  the  bitterness  of  poverty 
and  the  barrenness  It  spreads  on  life. 
Thou  knowest  how  It  darkens  and 
tempts  and  embitters  the  soul,  and 
divides    man   from   his  brother, 
and  makes  faith  In  Thy  goodness 
and  care  seem  well-nigh  Impossible. 
When  poverty  Is  a  needed  disci- 
pline, may   Thy  children  bear  It 
with  patience,  and  find  In  It  liberty 
of  soul  and  enrichment  of  the  world 
within.     But  too  often  It  Is  not  of 
Thy  sending.     Too  often  It  comes 
from  the  selfishness  and  greed  and 
wrong-doing  of  men.     Be  present 
with   Thy    help    and    blessing    In 
homes  thus  made  sad.    Forbid  that 
within   them   the   voice   of  unbe- 
lief, or  envy,  or  rebellion  should 
be  heard;  but  may  trust  in  Thee, 

1189] 

a  Poofe  of  l^vavtx^ 


and  gentle  patience  and  prudent 
forethought  sustain  the  life  of 
the  soul  against  every  threaten- 
ing ill.  Put  into  the  hearts  of  all 
good  men  a  love  for  the  poor. 
Raise  up  to  those  who  are 
in  need  wise  friends  and  coun- 
sellors, through  whose  ministry 
Thou  mayst  provide  a  way  of 
relief.  And  grant,  O  Lord,  that 
justice  and  brotherly  love  may 
prevail.  May  we  not  only  de- 
liver the  poor  man  from  his  dis- 
tress, but  may  we  also,  in  the 
strength  of  Thy  spirit,  attack  and 
overthrow  every  evil  power  that 
works  impoverishment  and  hard- 
ship to  Thy  children.  Hear  our 
prayer  and  grant  that  those  who 
are  poor  in  this  world's  goods  may 
be  rich  in  heavenly  treasure,  honour 
and  peace  and  love,  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.     Amen, 

[190] 


Si  Poofe  of  ^raj>ers{ 


For  the  Prosperous 

iEAR  us,  O  Lord,  in  behalf  of 
those  to  whom  Thou  hast 
given  the  precious  gifts  of  wealth. 
May  they  ever  praise  Thee  for 
Thy  goodness,  remembering  that 
all  skill  and  wisdom  and  strength 
of  body  or  of  mind  come  from 
Thee,  and  that  they  possess  noth- 
ing which  they  have  not  received 
from  Thy  hand.  Teach  them  that 
with  Thy  gift  Thou  givest  them 
a  great  responsibility;  that  Thou 
hast  lent  them  their  riches  not  for 
their  own  enjoyment  only,  but  to 
increase  the  well-being  and  happi- 
ness of  the  world.  May  they 
realise  that  no  material  good  is 
to  be  compared  with  the  joy  of 
lightening  the  load  of  another's 
need.  Grant  them  a  spirit  of  self- 
denial  that  they  may  renounce  all 


^  JJoofe  of  3^vaptvsi^ 


luxury  and  extravagance  in  the 
presence  of  their  brother's  pov- 
erty. Keep  them  free  from  the 
entanglements  of  worldly  things, 
from  all  that  wars  against  sim- 
plicity and  nobility  of  life,  from  all 
pride  and  vain  glory,  from  love 
of  power,  from  false  ambitions, 
from  contempt  of  the  poor  and 
the  unprivileged.  Bestow  upon 
them  the  grace  of  the  Lord  Jesus 
who,  though  he  was  rich,  yet  for 
our  sakes  became  poor  that  we 
through  His  poverty  might  be- 
come rich;  and  may  they  be  will- 
ing to  follow  in  His  footsteps  and 
to  spend  and  be  spent  in  the  serv- 
ice of  their  brothers.  And  this 
we  beg  for  His  sake.    Amen, 


[1921 


la  Jioofe  of  drapers? 


For  Prisoners 

/[trtERCIFUL  God  whose  Prov- 
^4^1'  idence  is  over  all  Thy 
works,  and  whose  Love  embraces 
Thine  erring  children;  remember 
for  good  all  who  have  been  judged 
guilty  under  the  law  in  our  courts 
of  justice;  all  who  suffer  the  pen- 
alty for  wrong  doing  in  the  house 
of  bondage;  all  who  in  mind, 
body,  and  soul  bear  the  bitter 
consequences  of  crime.  Amid  the 
austere  justice  of  man,  open 
in  their  souls  springs  of  comfort; 
visit  them  through  Thy  Holy 
Spirit  with  mercy,  sympathy,  par- 
don, and  peace.  Let  Thy  Divine 
compassion  awaken  in  them  the 
desire  to  return  unto  Thee  in 
the  spirit  of  meekness  and  godly 
sorrow.  Teach  them,  O  Father, 
that  no  sin  is  beyond  Thy  forgive- 

[193] 


ja  ?Book  of  ^raperj; 


ness;  that  no  wound  of  the  soul 
is  too  great  for  Thy  heahng  power. 
Banish  from  them  ahke  the  spirit 
of  impenitence  and  of  despair. 
Lift  their  eyes  from  their  shame 
and  misery,  and  fix  them  on  the 
gift  •  Thou  art  offering  them  —  a 
new  self,  free  from  self-reproach, 
beautiful  with  the  grace  of  a  re- 
stored innocence,  and  full  of  the 
promise  of  better  things.  Fill 
their  minds  with  good  thoughts 
and  their  hearts  with  pure  long- 
ings. Let  Thy  Spirit  breathe 
within  them  new  resolves,  and  let 
all  who  love  Thee,  help  and 
strengthen  the  penitent  in  his 
struggle  to  amend.  And,  O  Lord, 
if  there  be  any  in  the  gaols  and 
prisons  of  the  world,  who  suffer 
wrongfully  through  the  ignorance 
or  malice  of  men,  we  pray  for 
them.    May  they  never  say,  "My 


^  J!ioo&  of  ^tapers; 


way  IS  hid  from  the  Lord  and  the 
justice  due  to  me  is  passed  from 
my  God,"  but  committing  their 
cause  to  Thee,  may  they  in  pa- 
tience wait  for  the  day  when 
Thou  shalt  estabHsh  their  integ- 
rity in  the  eyes  of  all  men.  Amid 
outward  distress,  let  them  enjoy 
Thy  peace,  the  peace  of  a  quiet 
and  innocent  mind.  Accept  our 
prayers  and  answer  them  for 
Christ's  sake.     Amen, 


[195] 


ai  Poofe  of  drapers? 


For  Doctors  of  Medicine 

/^S  THOU,  from  whom  cometh 
\iy  all  healing,  who  hast  created 
the  physician  in  honour  and  hast 
armed  him  with  medicines  and 
skill:  we  pray  for  all  those  whom 
Thou  hast  called  to  practise  the 
healing  art.  Grant  that  a  double 
portion  of  the  spirit  of  counsel 
and  understanding  may  rest  upon 
them,  so  that  every  sufferer  that 
seeks  their  help  may  not  go  away 
discouraged,  but  rather  cheered 
and  comforted  and  set  upon  the 
road  that  leads  to  health.  Save 
Thy  servants  from  the  seductions 
of  lower  aims;  from  love  of  money, 
or  of  fame.  May  the  distresses 
of  rich  and  poor  make  to  them  the 
same  solemn  appeal  of  pity.  Pour 
upon  them  a  still  larger  measure 
of  the  enthusiasm  of  humanity,  of 

[196] 


la  ISaok  of  $ra?eri$ 


the  spirit  of  self-sacrifice.  Draw 
them  into  fellowship  with  those 
who  in  every  age  have  laid  down 
their  lives  for  their  brethren,  and 
have  joined  in  the  procession  of 
Thy  noble  army  of  martyrs.  Give 
them  still  greater  victories  over 
disease  and  pain  and  death;  and 
put  within  them  a  spirit  of  piety, 
that  would  ever  say,  "Not  unto 
us,  but  unto  Thee,  0  Lord,  be  all 
the  glory."  We  ask  this  in  Christ's 
name.     Amen. 


[1971 


Si  ISoofe  of  S^vaytxa 


For  Nurses 


WA 


E  thank  Thee,  most  loving 
God,  that  Thou  hast  put 
It  Into  the  hearts  of  so  many  to 
give  their  hves  to  the  helping  and 
comforting  of  Thy  children,  the 
sick.  We  pray  for  them  that  Thou 
wouldest  grant  them  the  needed 
strength  of  body  and  of  mind  for 
their  heavy  tasks.  They  need 
patience  with  the  fretful  and  the 
wayward;  sympathy  with  the  de- 
spondent and  the  suffering;  power 
to  say  the  needed  word;  skill  to 
guide  the  wandering  mind;  tender- 
ness to  touch  with  healing  strength 
the  bruised  and  afflicted  body; 
wisdom  to  learn  that  there  Is  a  time 
to  be  silent,  that  the  heart  knows  a 
secret  bitterness  with  which  no 
stranger  can  Intermeddle.  When 
we  think  of  the  greatness  of  the 


[198] 


Si  iioofe  o{  l^vavtv^ 


work  to  which  Thou  hast  called 
Thy  servants,  we  ksk,  "Who  is 
sufficient  for  these  things?"  Not 
of  themselves,  but  of  Thee,  cometh 
their  sufficiency.  Out  of  the  riches 
of  Thy  grace,  supply  all  their  need, 
we  beseech  Thee.  May  they  ever 
bear  in  mind  the  glory  Thou  hast 
put  upon  them  in  calling  them 
to  share  with  Jesus  Christ,  the 
Servant  of  humanity,  in  minister- 
ing to  those  who  have  fallen  by 
the  wayside  of  life;  that  at  the 
last  they  may  hear  with  gladness 
His  gracious  word,  "I  was  sick 
and  ye  visited  me.  Enter  ye  into 
the  joy  of  your  Lord."  These 
petitions  we  present  in  His  name 
and  we  ask  Thee  to  hear  us  for 
His  sake.     Amen, 


[199] 


la  Poofe  of  l^vavtvs^ 


For  Students 

|EAR  us,  O  never-failing  Light, 
Fount  of  all  Truth,  Source 
of  all  Wisdom,  as  we  pray  for 
those  who  are  called  to  the  tasks  of 
learning,  to  the  discipline  of  the 
intellect.  Inspire  all  students  with 
the  desire  for  reality  in  thought, 
that  they  may  know  Thee,  the 
ultimate  Truth,  the  Infinite  Mind, 
whose  thoughts  they  can  but  think 
again.  Cast  out  all  intellectual 
vanity  and  vain-glory.  Forbid 
that  they  should  ever  pretend  to 
a  knowledge  they  do  not  pos- 
sess. Make  them  to  be  faithful 
in  all  their  work,  loyal  to  their 
teachers,  earnestly  desirous  of  the 
best  gifts,  yet  ever  rejoicing  in 
another's  success.  Fill  them  with 
great  hopes  for  the  future,  with 
pure  and  unselfish  ambitions,  that 

[200] 


Si  Poo&  of  $rapet9 


in  due  time  they  may  give  of  what 
they  have  received  and  impart 
some  good  to  those  who  are  igno- 
rant and  out  of  the  way.  Spirit 
of  all  counsel  and  knowledge! 
Guide  the  feet  of  Thy  servants 
into  the  paths  of  eternal  life. 
May  their  souls  be  lamps  of 
Thine,  burning  and  shining  with 
the  truth,  dimmed  by  no  evil  pas- 
sion, darkened  by  no  deadly  sin. 
May  it  be  theirs  to  have  the  se- 
cret of  Christ,  which  is  the  secret 
of  blessedness,  without  which  all 
other  learning  is  but  dust  and 
ashes.  We  ask  this  for  his  sake. 
Amen. 


[201 J 


^  Poob  of  drapers; 


For  Teachers 


w 


E  bless  Thee,  O  God,  for 
the  men  and  women  whom 
Thou  hast  called  to  the  work  of 
training  the  young.  We  thank  Thee 
for  the  influence  of  teachers  upon 
our  lives  and  characters.  We  would 
never  forget  the  greatness  of  the 
debt  we  owe  them.  We  remember 
how  patient  they  were  with  our 
dulness,  how  forbearing  with  our 
perverseness,  how  sympathetic  with 
our  discouragement,  how  helpful 
and  generous  in  all  their  work  of 
guidance  and  instruction. 

We  bless  Thee  for  the  self- 
denial  and  devotion  of  Thy  ser- 
vants who  in  school  and  college 
and  university  are  making  the 
generation  that  is  to  be.  Grant 
that  we  may  uphold  them  by  our 
interest    and    prayers    and    good- 

[202] 


Si  Poofe  of  l^vaptta 


will.  Sustain  them  m  all  their 
labour  of  love.  In  hours  of  de- 
spondency, cheer  them;  in  hours 
of  weariness,  be  present  with  Thy 
renewing  strength.  Glorify  their 
effort  with  a  sense  of  Thy  pres- 
ence. Fill  them  with  a  con- 
sciousness of  the  solemn  issues  of 
their  calling.  May  they  give  to 
those  committed  to  their  charge 
not  their  time  and  talent  only, 
but  themselves  as  well.  Grant 
them  to  remember  that  they  are 
forming  human  souls,  whose  hopes 
and  fears,  faiths  and  doubts  reach 
out  beyond  the  passing  years. 
Keep  them  mindful  of  that  hour 
when  the  Master  of  masters  will 
appear,  Christ  the  Lord  of  angels 
and  of  men,  to  examine  every 
man's  conscience  and  to  reward 
every  man  as  his  work  shall  be. 
We  pray  in  His  Name.     Amen, 

[203] 


~^Wooh  of IPiraperif 


For  Handworkers 

ll^  THOU,  who  workest  hith- 
\i»^  erto,  and  still  workest  In 
creation  and  in  providence;  be 
very  gracious  to  all  who  are  called 
to  lives  of  toil,  and  who  bear  the 
heat  and  the  burden  of  the  day. 
Grant  them  strength  for  every 
task,  lest  they  become  discouraged 
and  their  spirits  faint  and  fail 
within  them.  Whatsoever  their 
hands  find  to  do,  let  them  do  it 
with  all  their  might  in  remem- 
brance of  the  night  coming  on  so 
fast  when  no  man  can  work.  In- 
spire them  with  a  sense  of  duty, 
that  they  may  be  daunted  by  no 
hardness,  tempted  to  no  stint  of 
effort  or  of  care.  Grant  them  to 
meet  the  tasks  of  each  day  with 
a  bright  and  cheerful  face,  and 
when    evening    comes    to    thank 

'  [204] 


^  iESoofe  of  drapers; 


Thee  that  they  have  been  enabled 
to  add  a  little  to  the  wealth,  the 
well-being  and  the  happiness  of 
the  world.  And  while  they  work 
for  the  bread  that  perishes,  help 
them,  O  Lord,  to  remember  that 
other  Bread,  of  which,  if  any 
man  eat,  he  shall  never  hunger 
again.  Take  from  them  all  class- 
jealousy  and  envy  of  others 
richer  in  worldly  things  than 
themselves;  all  greed  and  self- 
seeking,  all  hatred  and  bitter- 
ness; and  fill  their  hearts  with 
tenderness  and  love  toward  all 
men,  rich  and  poor  alike.  Never 
let  them  forget  the  dignity  of 
work,  or  sink  into  the  servile 
mind  through  men-pleasing.  But 
rather  let  them  recall  the  figure 
of  Thy  Son  who  dwelt  among  us 
in  the  guise  of  a  workman,  and 
turned  every  human  duty  into  a 

[205] 


<K  ^oD&  of  Jj^taptx^ 


divine  privilege.  Reveal  to  each 
worker  the  secret  of  Christ,  that 
work  may  nowhere  be  a  curse  but 
everywhere  a  blessing  and  that  at 
the  last  those  who  have  laboured 
here  in  sweat  and  trial  may  hear 
Thy  voice  saying  to  them,  "Well 
done,  good  and  faithful  servants; 
you  have  been  faithful  over  a  few 
things;  I  will  set  you  over  many 
things."  Grant  this  for  Jesus 
Christ's  sake.     Amen. 


[206] 


!a  Poofe  of  $rapersi 


For  Ministers  of  Religion 

^LMIGHTY  God  our  Heavenly 
r^^  Father,  we  bless  Thee  for  those 
Thou  hast  set  apart  to  minister  in 
spiritual  things.  Give  them  an  unc- 
tion from  the  Holy  One  that  they 
may  speak  the  truth  in  love.  Put 
within  them  the  spirit  of  prophet 
and  seer  that,  in  the  presence  of  evil 
or  wrong,  in  the  society  or  the  indi- 
vidual, they  may  cry  aloud  and 
spare  not.  Grant  that  they  may  so 
proclaim  Thy  Word  that  the  care- 
less may  be  arrested;  the  sorrowing, 
comforted;  the  tempted,  made 
strong;  the  weary  and  heavy-laden, 
refreshed.  Bless  Thy  servants  as 
they  break  the  bread  of  life  among 
Thy  people,  whether  in  the  minis- 
trations of  Thy  House,  or  in  private 
intercourse  with  those  who  seek 
their  help.    Be  with  them  in  hours 

[207] 


a  Poofe  ot  ^rapersJ 


of  despondency.  When  heart  and 
flesh  fall,  be  Thou  the  strength 
of  their  hearts  and  their  portion 
forever.  Keep  alive  within  them 
the  fires  of  faith  and  courage  that 
they  may  never  despair  of  the 
world  or  of  themselves.  May  they 
be  willing  to  bear  the  reproach  of 
Christ  and  even  to  be  counted 
fools  for  His  sake,  if  only  they 
may  win  some  souls  for  truth  and 
goodness.  Consecrate  them  to  a 
divine  simplicity  of  purpose  that, 
renouncing  all  earthly  prizes  and 
ambitions,  they  may  answer  with 
glad  hearts  Thy  call  to  work  with 
Thee  for  the  redemption  of  the 
world.  And  in  this  work  let  them 
find  their  all-suflicient  reward. 
These  graces  and  gifts  we  beseech 
Thee  to  give  through  Him  whom 
Thou  hast  made  Lord  and  Head 
of  Thy  Kingdom.     Amen, 

[208] 


a  Poofe  of  drapers; 


For  Missionaries 


0 


THOU  who  hast  made 
all  nations  of  men  to  seek 
Thee  and  to  find  Thee ;  bless, 
we  beseech  Thee,  Thy  sons  and 
daughters  who  have  gone  forth, 
into  distant  lands,  bearing  in  their 
hands  Thy  Word  of  Life.  We 
rejoice  that,  touched  with  the  en- 
thusiasm of  Christ,  so  many  have 
consecrated  their  lives  to  pro- 
claiming the  message  of  Thy  love 
to  those  other  sheep  of  Thine  who 
are  not  of  our  fold  that  they 
may  be  united  with  us  and  that 
there  may  be  one  flock  and  one 
Shepherd.  Help  Thy  ministering 
servants  to  recognise  the  frag- 
ments of  truth  and  goodness  that 
are  ever  found  where  men  are  sin- 
cere and  to  claim  these  glimpses 
of  Thyself  as  the  prophecies  of  a 

[209] 


a  lloofe  of  ^tapers? 


fuller  revelation.  When  discour- 
aged by  the  hardness  of  their  task, 
and  the  meagre  fruit  of  all  their 
labour,  give  them  faith  to  see  the 
far-off  whitening  harvest.  In- 
spire them  with  Thy  gracious 
promise  that  though  the  sower 
may  go  forth  weeping,  bearing 
precious  seed,  he  will  come  again 
with  joy,  bringing  his  sheaves 
with  him.  Comfort  them  in  their 
exile  and  loneliness  with  a  sense 
of  Thy  companionship  and  with 
the  prayers  and  sympathy  of  their 
brethren  at  home.  Through  them 
let  Thy  Word  have  free  course 
and  be  glorified.  And  so  let  Thy 
Kingdom  come,  and  Thy  Will  be 
done  on  earth  as  in  Heaven,  for 
Jesus  Christ's  sake.     Amen, 


1210] 


IS  Poob  of  ^tapers; 


For  Friends  on  a  Journey 

/^S  GOD,  our  Guide  and  Guar- 
VJ?^  dian;  hear  us  as  we  pray  for 
our  friends  who  now  are  gone  upon 
a  journey.  Though  separated  from 
us,  they  are  near  to  Thee.  We 
commit  them  to  Thy  care,  in  the 
assured  confidence  that  Thou  wilt 
suffer  no  real  ill  to  befall  them. 
Be  to  them  a  Light  in  the  dark- 
ness, a  Covert  in  the  tempest,  a 
Hiding-place  from  the  wind,  and 
as  the  Shadow  of  a  great  rock 
in  a  weary  land.  Go  with  them 
where  they  go;  and  dwell  where 
they  dwell.  To  those  who  open 
their  doors  unto  them,  grant  that 
they  may  Impart  some  spiritual 
gift,  whether  in  word  or  in  deed. 
In  due  time  bring  them  back  in 
safety  and  contentment  to  their 
home  in  the  fulness  of  health  and 

1211] 


g[  jioofe  of  JPraperg 


strength.  Take  us  all,  as  we 
journey  through  life,  into  Thy 
holy  keeping.  Grant  us  all,  when 
the  days  of  our  wayfaring  are 
past,  to  dwell  in  Thy  abode 
of  rest,  in  unbroken  fellowship 
with  all  whom  we  have  loved. 
We  ask  this  for  Jesus  Christ's 
sake.     Amen. 


[212 


S  Poofe  of  l^xa^tvi 


Thanksgiving  for  Restoration 
TO  Health 

ll^  LORD,  Giver  of  all  good, 
\l^  we  render  unto  Thee  thanks 
and  praise  for  Thy  kindness  to 
this.  Thy  servant,  whom  Thou 
hast  raised  out  of  weakness  and 
made  to  stand  strong  by  Thy 
love.  Thou  hast  been  with  him 
in  sickness  and  in  pain.  Thou 
didst  withdraw  him  from  the  world 
for  a  season  that  Thou  mightest 
speak  with  him  alone.  And  after 
his  affliction.  Thou  hast  com- 
forted him.  Thou  hast  turned 
his  heaviness  into  joy,  his  mourn- 
ing into  gladness.  For  Thy  mercy, 
we  bless  Thee.  We  pray  that  the 
time  still  left  him  may  be  conse- 
crated anew  to  Thy  service.  Send 
him  forth,  0  Lord,  to  the  tasks  of 
his  daily  life,  but  not  without  Thy 

[213] 


^  Poo&  of  $raper£! 


blessing  in  his  heart.  In  the  joy 
of  health  be  still  his  Guide  and 
Guardian.  Amid  the  trials  and  dif- 
ficulties of  his  days,  may  he  hear  be- 
hind him  that  faithful  word,  saying, 
"This  is  the  way.  Walk  ye  in  it." 
Grant  that  he  may  always  keep 
this  way  and  incline  to  Thy  will, 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen, 


[214] 


^  ^oofe  of  drapers; 


Thanksgiving  for  Victory  over 
A  Bad  Habit 

/^S  THOU,  who  proclaimest  Hb- 
\L^  erty  to  the  captives,  and  the 
opening  of  the  prisons  to  them  that 
are  bound;  we  rejoice  that  Thou 
hast  brought  the  soul  of  this  Thy 
servant  out  of  prison  that  he 
might  praise  Thy  name.  Thou 
didst  inspire  him  with  pure  de- 
sires. Thou  didst  rouse  him  again 
and  again  from  despair  and  didst 
sustain  him  in  the  fight  for  free- 
dom. And  now  we  bless  Thee 
that  Thou  hast  crowned  his  efforts 
with  success.  Abide  with  him  and 
in  him  that  henceforth  he  may 
bear  the  fruits  of  good  living.  So 
fill  him  with  love  and  holiness,  with 
courage  and  trust,  that  through 
all  the  coming  days  temptation 
will  lose  its  power.     Let  the  dead 

[215] 


S  poofe  of  drapers; 


past  bury  its  dead.  Go  with 
him  into  the  new  world  of  joy  and 
peace  and  -health.  Inspire  him 
with  the  resolve  to  do  something 
for  Thy  sake,  to  tell  another  im- 
prisoned soul  what  great  things 
Thou  hast  done  that,  if  it  please 
Thee,  he  may  have  a  double  joy. 
Hear  our  Thanksgiving  and  bless 
us  through  Jesus  Christ,  our  Lord. 
Amen. 


[216] 


at  Poofe  of  ^rapersf 


At  Night 

/TttVOST  merciful  Father,  give 
^JmkI'  me  an  evening  blessing. 
Pardon  me  wherein  throughout  this 
day  I  have  offended  Thee;  accept 
and  bless  whatever  I  have  said  or 
done  in  accordance  with  Thy  will. 
Prosper  whatever  has  been  right 
and  good  in  my  work  and  purposes; 
bring  to  nought  whatever  is  dis- 
pleasing to  Thee.  And  now,  O 
Lord,  as  I  commit  myself  to  sleep, 
I  would  give  myself  to  Thee. 
Grant  me  sound  and  refreshing 
rest,  unscared  by  evil  dreams, 
undisturbed  by  faithless  worries. 
And  raise  me  up  in  the  morning 
refreshed  in  body  and  in  mind  and 
made  fit  for  Thy  service.  Grant 
me  Thy  peace  now  and  evermore 
for  Thy  name's  sake.    Amen, 


[219] 


Si  poofe  of  draper? 


At  Night 

TT  WILL  lay  me  down  in  peace 
^y  and  take  my  rest,  for  it  is 
Thou,  Lord,  only  that  makest  me  to 
dwell  in  safety.  Let  me  sleep  the 
sleep  of  him  who  is  heartily  sorry 
for  his  sins,  and  is  in  love  and  char- 
ity with  his  neighbours.  I  would 
not  seek  rest  this  night  while  cher- 
ishing any  ill-will  against  brother 
or  friend.  I  would  forgive  all  who 
may  have  wronged  me  as  I  hope 
to  be  forgiven.  In  the  darkness 
as  in  the  light  let  me  be  wholly 
Thine.  If  I  should  waken  in  the 
night-watches  grant  me  patience 
and  quietness  that  I  may  com- 
mune with  mine  own  heart  and 
with  Thee.  Wake  me  in  the  morn- 
ing strengthened  in  mind  and  body, 
with  a  heart  intent  only  on  the 
doing  of  Thy  will.    Amen, 

[2201 


S  Pook  of  ^va^tx^ 


At  Night 

A^  BLESSED  God,  into  Thine 
%i^  all-protecting  hands  I  com- 
mend my  soul  and  my  body  that 
no  sin  may  stain  the  one,  nor  dis- 
ease injure  the  other.  Open  my 
heart  now  and  enter  in  and  fill  it 
with  Thy  love.  With  the  fire  of 
Thy  love  burn  away  the  stains  of 
sin  and  make  me  pure  and!  true. 
As  I  sink  into  unconsciousness,  let 
it  be  with  thoughts  of  Thee,  of 
Thy  tender  mercy,  of  Thine  infinite 
goodness.  Let  me  feel  myself  at 
rest  in  Thine  everlasting  arms,  and 
when  I  awake,  let  it  be  with  bright 
and  joyous  thoughts,  with  the  glad 
assurance  that  neither  height  nor 
depths,  nor  any  other  creature, 
can  separate  me  from  Thy  love 
which  is  in  Christ  Jesus,  my  Lord. 


[221] 


^  igoofe  of  l^xaptx^ 


In  the  Morning 

TTjfN  the  morning,  O  Lord,  would 
^  I  direct  my  prayer  unto  Thee 
and  would  look  up.  Vouchsafe 
unto  me  the  fellowship  of  the  Holy 
Spirit  as  a  Spirit  of  power,  of  free- 
dom, of  purity,  and  of  wisdom. 
Let  Thy  Spirit  bear  witness  with 
my  spirit  that  in  spite  of  weakness 
and  shortcoming  I  am  Thy  child 
and  heir  to  all  the  riches  of  Thy 
grace  in  Christ  Jesus.  O  let  me 
walk  this  day  and  every  day 
worthy  of  my  high  vocation!  Set 
a  seal  upon  my  lips  that  in  no 
word  I  may  offend  Thee.  Keep 
my  heart  in  Thy  love  and  knowl- 
edge and  grant  that  this  day  I 
may  do  something  solely  for  Thy 
sake,  in  the  strength  of  Jesus 
Christ  my  Lord.     Amen, 


[222] 


31  Jgoofe  of  ^raj>er)0( 


In  the  Morning 

RATHER,  I  thank  Thee  for 
^Jl  Thy  mercies  which  are  new 
every  morning.  For  the  gift  of 
sleep;  for  health  and  strength; 
for  the  vision  of  another  day  with 
its  fresh  opportunities  of  work 
and  service;  for  all  these  and  more 
than  these,  I  thank  Thee.  Before 
looking  on  the  face  of  men  I 
would  look  on  Thee,  who  art  the 
health  of  my  countenance  and 
my  God.  Not  without  Thy  guid- 
ance would  I  go  forth  to  meet 
the  duties  and  tasks  of  the  day. 
Strengthen  nae  so  that  in  all  my 
work  I  may  be  faithful;  amid 
trials,  courageous;  in  suffering, 
patient;  under  disappointment, 
full  of  hope  in  Thee.  Grant  this 
for  Thy  goodness'  sake.     Amen, 


[223] 


ii  poofe  of  $irapets( 


In  the  Morning 

/^S  LORD,  my  refreshment  and 
KLf^  my  strength,  throughout  the 
night  Thou  hast  spread  Thy  hand 
upon  me  for  a  covering,  and  while 
this  Httle  earth  has  swept  on  its 
way  through  boundless  space,  I 
have  rested  in  perfect  safety  under 
the  shadow  of  the  Almighty.  Thy 
faithfulness  rebukes  my  want  of 
faith;  Thy  love,  my  selfishness; 
Thy  unresting  work,  my  sinful 
sloth.  Lift  up  my  soul  into  com- 
munion with  Thy  life  and  then  I 
will  go  forth  to  serve  Thee  and  in 
Thee  my  fellow-men,  in  newness  of 
spirit;  unto  Thee  be  all  the  glory 
now  and  evermore.    Amen, 


[224] 


^  |goo&  of  l^vaptts^ 


In  the  Morning 

^^\  GOD,  I  know  not  what  a  day 
Kt^  may  bring  forth.  In  perfect 
confidence  I  would  place  my  hand 
in  Thine  and  follow  Thee  this  day, 
whether  Thou  leadest  me  to  joy 
or  sorrow,  pleasure  or  pain,  success 
or  failure.  I  know  not  what  is 
good  for  me.  Thou  knowest. 
My  deepest  desire  is  to  love  what 
Thou  lovest,  and  will  what  Thou 
wiliest.  Hear  my  prayer  for  Jesus 
Christ  my  Redeemer's  sake.  Amen, 


[225] 


Si  Poofe  of  ^raperjf 


In  Time  of  Temptation 

^TRONG  Son  of  God,  who 
wast  tried  and  tempted  to 
the  uttermost,  yet  without  sin;  be 
near  me  now  with  Thy  strength 
and  give  me  the  victory  over  this 
evil  desire  that  threatens  to  ruin 
me.  I  am  weak,  O  Lord,  and  full 
of  doubts  and  fears.  There  are 
moments  when  I  am  afraid  of  my- 
self, when  the  world  and  the  flesh 
and  the  devil  seem  more  powerful 
than  the  forces  of  good.  But  now 
I  look  to  Thee  in  whom  dwelleth 
all  the  fulness  of  grace  and  might 
and  redemption.  Blessed  Saviour! 
I  take  Thee  afresh  to  be  my 
Refuge,  my  Covert,  my  Defence, 
my  strong  Tower  from  the  enemy. 
Hear  me  and  bless  me  now  and 
ever.    Amen, 


[226]  " 


a  JSoofe  of  ^raperjf 


In  Time  of  Suffering 

/i^  LORD,   my   God,   I   am   in 

\l»^  Thy  hands,  I  resign  myself 
unreservedly  to  Thee.  Relieve  my 
pain,  or  strengthen  me  to  bear  it. 
O  be  not  silent  unto  me,  lest,  if 
Thou  be  silent,  my  faith  should 
die  and  my  hope  perish.  Speak  to 
me  and  I  ask  no  more.  For  I  know 
if  Thou  hearest  me,  then  I  have  the 
petitions  I  desire  of  Thee,  through 
Jesus  Christ  my  Saviour.     Amen, 


[227] 


gl  Poofe  of  drapers; 


Before     Partaking     at     Holy 
Communion 

,EAVENLY  Father,  Thou  art 
Light  and  in  Thee  is  no 
darkness  at  all;  enlighten  my 
mind  in  the  knowledge  of  Thy 
will.  Thou  art  Life;  send  Thy 
healing  power  through  my  body 
and  my  soul.  Thou  art  Love; 
look  on  me  so  that  my  heart  may 
be  opened  to  Thine  and  every  veil 
between  Thee  and  me  be  burned 
away.  May  I  go  to  Thy  Holy 
Table  and  partake  of  Thy  Bounty, 
with  a  heart  purified  from  sin, 
with  a  conscience  eased  of  its 
guilt.  Make  my  repentance  bitter 
that  my  love  may  be  strong.  Wash 
me  and  make  me  clean  that  I  may 
worthily  receive  Thy  Son  Jesus 
Christ  in  the  Sacrament  of  His 
passion  and  be  united  with  Him, 

[228] 


3  3^006  of  S^va^txsi 


that  I  may  abide  in  Him  as  the 
branch  abides  in  the  Vine.  Be 
pleased,  O  Lord,  to  answer  me 
for  his  sake.     Amen, 


[229] 


ja  JBoofe  of  ^raper£( 


After  Partaking  at  Holy  Com- 
munion 

;LESSED  art  Thou,  O  God 
our  Father.  I  thank  Thee 
with  joyful  heart  because  Thou 
hast  vouchsafed  to  lead  me  into 
the  mystery  of  the  blessedness  of 
Thy  Holy  Sacrament.  I  have 
taken  into  my  hands  the  memorials 
of  the  Saviour's  dying  love.  Here 
would  I  consecrate  myself  anew 
to  Him;  here  would  I  make  fresh 
vows  of  fidelity  to  His  cause;  here 
would  I  rise  above  all  doubts  and 
fears  and  boldly  say,  "Lord,  Thou 
knowest  that  I  love  Thee."  O 
Bread  and  Wine  of  God,  be  Thou 
the  joy  and  strength  of  my  life, 
now  and  evermore.     Amen. 


[230] 


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